HEALTH bosses are going out to consultation on moves to stop paying for gluten free food for some patients.
Clinical Commissioning Groups for Hambleton, Richmondshire, Whitby and the Harrogate area say they spend between them over £181,000 on prescribing for gluten free diets for patients. This includes flour, bread, pasta, cereals and biscuits.
Dr Charles Parker, Clinical Chair of Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG said: “We propose a restriction on these products which, if agreed, would mean stopping the prescribing of gluten free products to all patients, apart from patients in a particular set of circumstances such as disadvantaged children or pregnant ladies.
“In recent years there has been a vast increase in the availability of gluten free products in local pharmacies and supermarkets leading to wider choice for patients with coeliac disease
“We fully appreciate that some patients may feel anxious about our proposals and are therefore ensuring any feedback from the engagement is taken into consideration."
The consultation is taking place between June 30 and July 21, patients can give their comments through the website www.hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk
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