A national coeliac charity has spoken out against proposed cuts to gluten free prescriptions in Bexley claiming that it will “cost more in the long run” to stop the service. 

Coeliac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and barley. 

Bexley Clinical Commission Group (CCG) is currently holding a consultation on the availability of self-care medications as well as the support for gluten-free products. 

Chief executive of Coeliac UK Sarah Sleet said Bexley CCG’s decision to consult on gluten free prescribing is not a good use of public money when it is under review at a national level - with their results due to be published in the autumn.

She said: “According to Bexley CCG, they spent a total of £450,090 on prescribed gluten free foods last year, which appears to be significantly above the national average. 

“So rather than leaping to complete removal of the gluten free prescribing, if the CCG ensured their prescribing practice met national norms, significant savings may be made and a service still provided to those diagnosed with coeliac disease.”

According to the charity, there is a risk that short term savings will result in long term expense due to conditions that can develop from taking away access to gluten-free care. 

A spokesperson for NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The CCG is currently seeking the views of residents concerning proposed changes to prescribing guidance. This includes gluten-free products, which are currently prescribed for people who are intolerant to gluten in their diet, such as people with coeliac disease.

“While coeliac disease is a very serious condition, a gluten-free diet does not require medical supervision, and this proposal would not impact the standard of care provided to coeliac patients.

“Many foods are naturally gluten-free such as rice and potatoes. Where gluten-free products are required, they are available to buy at a reasonable price, and are now widely available in supermarkets. We are committed to reducing inequalities in access to healthcare and it should be remembered that people with other food intolerances or medical conditions such as diabetes, are not able to get specialist foods for their conditions on prescription. 

“The CCG operates effectively, efficiently and economically and works to continuously secure improvements in quality. We are also obliged to meet financial and accounting obligations and exercise functions in a way which provides good value for money.”

Currently around 78 per cent of CCG’s across the country allow gluten free food on prescriptions. 

Bexley CCG’s consultation is running until August 2.