The North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is thinking about stopping NHS prescriptions for gluten-free bread, rolls, and flour mix across the North East and North Cumbria, in line with national guidance.
Some people, like those with Coeliac disease and other health conditions, need to avoid gluten to stay healthy. At the moment, around 4,700 people in our area get gluten-free bread, rolls and flour mix on prescription, equating to around 34,000 items per year.
But things have changed over time:
- Gluten-free food is easier to buy in shops and online
- Food labels are clearer, so it’s easier to pick the right things
- These foods still cost more than normal food
- The NHS pays more for these products than the prices in shops.
No decision has been made yet, and the ICB want to hear people’s thoughts through this brief online survey, which should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
If you have any questions, want to share a further comment, want the ICB to come and speak with you or your community or would like a paper copy, please email NENICB.involve@nhs.net or call 0191 512 8484 and ask for the involvement team.