Gluten-free prescribing in Ipswich and East Suffolk

May 11, 2012

We have been discussing prescribing policy with the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) over the last few weeks.

We are pleased that the CCG is following the national guidance with respect to the amounts of products available and we have had constructive discussions regarding the range of products available. We will continue to make the case that fresh breads and savoury crackers, crispbreads and pizza bases should be added to the list of available products as nationally approved products and important for some patients in their daily diets. The CCG have indicated that GPs may prescribe such items on an exceptional basis if there is a strong clinical argument in individual circumstances.

The policy will be under review in 6 months time and we are pleased that the CCG has agreed to take all the points we have made into consideration. We will hope to have a further discussion with the CCG at this point. Should you have any concerns contact prescriptions@coeliac.org.uk or the Coeliac UK Helpline on 0845 305 2060.