For those diagnosed with coeliac disease, a serious autoimmune condition, gluten free food isn't a choice but a medical necessity and the only treatment for the condition. Gluten free staples provided on prescription offer a lifeline to those managing symptoms, preventing long-term damage to their health. However recent policy changes mean that patients have been cut adrift from this support, leaving many struggling to afford the necessary treatment for their condition. 
 
Gluten free staples play a crucial role in supporting people with coeliac disease to stay healthy, yet they are significantly more expensive and harder to find on the shelves than gluten containing equivalents.  
 
A recent report from Coeliac UK (1) found that: 

• A loaf of gluten free bread is on average more than four times more expensive than a gluten containing equivalent, gram for gram 
• For those on a budget, the impact is even greater with the cheapest gluten free loaf being more than 6 times as expensive than a gluten containing loaf
• A weekly gluten free food shop can be as much as 35% more than a gluten containing food shop  

For years, the NHS has been instrumental in supporting those with coeliac disease by providing access to gluten free staple products such as bread on prescription. Yet for many, this lifeline is now at risk or has been removed altogether.  
 
Recent changes in Integrated Care Board (ICB) policies, coupled with uncertainties around government funding, have led to a postcode lottery of care across England. Many ICBs have taken the decision to withdraw this much needed provision, often based on flawed evidence and without considering public opinion on the impact of these cuts. In some cases, they have failed to engage with patients altogether. 
 
As a result, many individuals with coeliac disease now face the challenging reality of being unable to afford the staple gluten free substitutes they need to stay healthy. 
 
We cannot stand by while patients with coeliac disease are left without the essential support they need. It's time to hold the Government accountable for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of these patients. 
 
We urge the UK Government to take immediate action to safeguard access to gluten free food through NHS prescriptions by: 

Issuing updated guidance to Integrated Care Boards that: 

• Reaffirms the essential role of the gluten free diet and staple substitute products in managing coeliac disease
• Stresses the ICBs legal obligations under the National Health Service Act 2006 to reduce inequalities and actively involve patients in decisions
• Highlights the findings of the 2018 review on gluten free prescriptions, stressing the critical need to maintain access to gluten free bread and flour
• Emphasises the importance of ensuring patients receive an annual review to ensure they are not suffering ongoing symptoms or ill health

Collaborating with Coeliac UK and healthcare professionals to establish and share best practices for protecting access to gluten free prescriptions for those who need it, which includes: 

• Engaging with patient representatives to understand their concerns and experiences
• Reviewing the decision-making processes of ICBs that have removed gluten free provision since 2022 and assessing their impact, with findings reported back to the Minister
   

Join us in calling on the UK Government to uphold its commitment to health equality and ensure that those with coeliac disease have access to the gluten free food they need to thrive. 

Sign this petition to make it clear to the Government that protecting access to gluten free food on NHS prescription is invaluable for keeping people with coeliac disease safe and well. Together, we can make a difference! 

When you sign the petition, you’ll need to add your name and email address and you’ll be sent an email to confirm your signature. Be sure to click the button on the email or your signature won’t be added! 

Please note if you choose to ‘Chip in’ when you sign the petition, the money will go to change.org. If you'd like to support Coeliac UK please visit www.coeliac.org.uk/appeal

(1) 2024 Cost of Living Report (2024) Coeliac UK. Available at: https://www.coeliac.org.uk/document-library/9192-2024-cost-of-living-report/ (Accessed: 24 September 2024).