NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) has announced its decision to withdraw gluten free prescriptions for people with a diagnosis of coeliac disease, preventing those in need from accessing gluten free bread and flour mix on prescription. This means that people with coeliac disease in the area will see provision phased out by the end of January.
We are deeply concerned about the potential impact of this decision, particularly on those on low incomes.
This decision has been taken after LLR ICB held a public consultation on the proposal to stop gluten free prescribing.
72% of consultation respondents disagreed with the proposal with 58% citing concerns over the affordability of gluten free food. Despite this, the ICB has made no effort to meaningfully reduce the impact of this policy change.
The charity has met with representatives from the ICB on a number of occasions and submitted evidence in support of continued provision. In our discussions and evidence, we highlighted the significant additional cost of gluten free staple products and the nutritional and practical importance of these products, which poses a real challenge to maintaining the gluten free diet, the only treatment for the condition.
To read our full statement, click here
What you can do to help
Share your views
We would urge any members of the community living in Leicestershire to contact the ICB and your local MP to share your views. You can do so by contacting the ICB directly as below. For information on the case for prescribing, check out our website.
Contact the ICB
To make a complaint, email the ICB Governance Team at: llricb-llr.enquiries@nhs.net or call: 0116 295 3405 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
Contact your MP
You can also use our template letter to write to your MP. Find your MPs contact details here.
Tell your story to help make a change
We’re looking for people to share their story of how this change might impact them. If you’re happy to share your experiences, please get in touch.*
*Please note that your story may be shared with the general public, both on social media and in the local and national press. You may also be required to participate in media interviews.