Gluten-Free food products For use in Coeliac Disease and gluten intolerance

Historically availability in supermarkets poor – no longer the case Gluten-Free food products for use in Coeliac Disease and gluten intolerance Historically availability in supermarkets poor – no longer the case A wide variety of gluten-free (GF) products are now available in most supermarkets and online at reasonable prices Price paid if prescribed under the NHS is significantly higher (2-3 times higher plus handling fees and out of pocket expenses)

Gluten-Free food products for use in Coeliac Disease and gluten intolerance East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen CCGs will only fund treatments or services which meet all of the following principles: Appropriateness Effectiveness Cost-effectiveness Ethical Affordability

The NHS Constitution commits the CCGs: Gluten-Free food products for use in Coeliac Disease and gluten intolerance The NHS Constitution commits the CCGs: to provide best value for taxpayers’ money and the most-effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources. to make decisions in a clear and transparent way

Gluten-Free food products for use in Coeliac Disease and gluten intolerance In 2015-16 East Lancashire CCG spent £205,998 on gluten-free products through the NHS, and Blackburn with Darwen CCG £110,000. This can be re-invested into alternative patient services The CCGs plan to undergo a patient engagement exercise in the coming weeks Proposal is to stop commissioning GF products through the NHS based on: Range of products are now available from supermarkets Cost is comparative to non-GF products Patients to be encouraged to avoid certain products such as pizza bases, bread and pasta and to eat healthier choices: fruit and vegetables, potatoes, rice, fish etc

Engagement Proposal Online survey (4 weeks) Focus groups Promotion via media, social media, and web Briefing to PPGs, Healthwatch, and councillors