North East NHS Maintains Gluten-Free Support for Under-25s

Under-25s diagnosed with coeliac disease in the North East 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 discontinue this support, which affects approximately 4,000 individuals in the region.

Initially, the ICB had planned to eliminate gluten-free food prescriptions for all ages. However, after a six-week consultation period that garnered around 1,400 comments from the public, the board decided to focus support solely on younger patients.

Gluten-free products are crucial for managing coeliac disease, a condition that impairs the digestive system’s ability to process gluten. The cost of providing gluten-free bread and flour mix to the 4,000 patients is estimated to be around £700,000 annually. This expense arises from NHS procurement rules, which often lead to higher costs compared to retail prices. A packet of gluten-free bread mix can exceed £10 for the NHS, while it typically retails for around £2.27 in supermarkets.

Public Consultation Influences Decision

Professor Ewan Maule, the ICB’s clinical director, emphasized the challenges the NHS faces in allocating its limited resources. He stated, “Following public involvement, we’re pleased to proceed with an option that protects some of our most vulnerable patients.” The decision reflects broader concerns about child poverty in the region, as continued access to gluten-free products is vital for children and young people adapting to a coeliac diagnosis.

Maule noted that the approach to providing gluten-free support should be fair and consistent. He pointed out that specialist food provisions are not typically available for other medical conditions, such as nut allergies. “When the NHS first started providing tinned gluten-free bread in the 1960s, it was almost impossible to find these products elsewhere. Today, gluten-free foods are widely available in supermarkets, online, and even corner shops, with clear labeling to support safe choices,” he added.

Implications of National Guidance Changes

This decision aligns with evolving national guidelines from NHS England, which have led other regions to abandon gluten-free prescriptions altogether. The new policy will take effect on March 1, 2024, and aims to balance the needs of patients with the financial realities faced by the NHS.

As the ICB moves forward, it will be critical to monitor how these changes impact the health and well-being of those affected by coeliac disease in the North East. The ongoing support for under-25s marks a significant commitment to addressing the needs of a vulnerable population while facing the fiscal challenges inherent in healthcare provision.