North East NHS Confirms Gluten-Free Bread Prescriptions for Under-25s

Under-25s diagnosed with coeliac disease in the North East of England will continue to receive gluten-free bread and flour mix on prescription. The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) recently reversed its decision to eliminate this support, which affects approximately 4,000 individuals in the region.

Initially, the ICB had planned to discontinue gluten-free bread prescriptions for all age groups. However, after a six-week consultation period, which garnered around 1,400 public comments, the board opted to maintain this crucial service for younger patients.

The financial implications are significant, with the annual cost of providing gluten-free bread prescriptions estimated at around £700,000. This figure reflects the higher prices the NHS pays for gluten-free products compared to retail prices, where a loaf of gluten-free bread can cost approximately £2.27 in supermarkets, while the NHS may pay over £10 for the same item.

Support for Vulnerable Patients

Professor Ewan Maule, clinical director at the ICB, emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable populations. “The NHS has to make difficult decisions about how we use our limited resources, but following public involvement, we’re pleased to proceed with an option that protects some of our most vulnerable patients,” he stated.

He highlighted the context of child poverty in the region, noting that continued support is essential for children and young people adjusting to a coeliac diagnosis. This decision reflects a broader effort to ensure that NHS funding is allocated fairly and effectively.

Maule pointed out that the availability of gluten-free products has significantly improved since the NHS began providing tinned gluten-free bread in the 1960s. Today, these products are more accessible, available in supermarkets and online, with clear labeling to aid safe choices.

National Guidelines and Future Changes

The ICB’s decision aligns with recent changes in national guidance from NHS England, which has led other regions to discontinue gluten-free bread prescriptions entirely. The new policy will take effect on March 1, 2024, marking a shift in how the NHS approaches the provision of specialized dietary items.

Maule concluded that this approach would create a “fairer and more consistent” system, particularly as specialized food is not provided for other conditions, such as nut allergies. As the ICB moves forward with this decision, it aims to balance the needs of vulnerable patients with the realities of resource limitations within the NHS.