PATIENTS will no longer receive gluten-free foods on prescription after health chiefs decided the service was no longer necessary.

Doctors in North Yorkshire have taken part in a public survey and found that due to increasing availability of gluten-free products in supermarkets and online, the special foods would no longer be handed out to patients.

The decision was made by NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to restrict prescribing the foods to all patients, apart from those in exceptional circumstances, starting from September 1.

During the period of engagement, briefings were also shared with Coeliac UK and other specialist health professionals.

Dr Charles Parker, GP and clinical chairman, said: “The CCG governing body has made the decision to stop the prescription of gluten free products to all patients, apart from those in exceptional circumstance.

“This is mainly due to a significant increase in their availability in the community, both in store and via home delivery services.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in our engagement over the last few weeks. It has been a valuable way of gathering patient, public and clinical opinion, including those from the British Society of Gastroenterologists and Coeliac UK.”

Feedback showed that 53 per cent of respondents were patients or the carers of patients who currently receive prescribed gluten free products and a majority disagreed with the proposals.

Of the 42 per cent of respondents who agreed with the proposals, 61 per cent did not have a diagnosis of Coeliac Disease.

Dr Parker added: “The importance of a gluten free diet for people with Coeliac Disease cannot be argued and there is no suggestion that we will stop providing education and support for people affected to help them take control of their lifelong dietary needs.”

Any public concerns or queries can be shared with the CCG via hrwccg.patientrelations@nhs.net.