HNY Policy and Pathway Repository - York
Coeliac disease
Definition/Description
Gluten free foods are now readily available in supermarkets and a wider range of naturally gluten free food types are available, meaning that the ability of patients to obtain these foods without a prescription has greatly increased.
The gluten free products policy (effective from 01/02/26) outlines that the prescribing of GF products is only commissioned for people if:
- the prescribing clinician considers that a patient’s ability to self-manage their disease (or their parent's/carer's ability in the case of a child or an adult who is unable to manage independently) is compromised by a medical or mental health condition resulting in severe mental impairment AND
- prescribing is restricted to GF bread and bread mixes
Red Flag Symptoms
None provided
Guidelines on Management
Gluten free prescribing
- ONLY IF the prescribing clinician considers that a patient’s ability to self-manage their disease (or their parent's/carer's ability in the case of a child or an adult who is unable to manage independently) is compromised by a medical or mental health condition resulting in severe mental impairment. THEN:
Coaeliac UK - resources for healthcare professionals
Algorithm Guidance - adults without coeliac diagnosis but on gluten free diet
Guidance on annual reviews of people requiring a gluten-free diet
Referral Criteria/Information
None provided
Additional Resources & Reference
Guidance on annual reviews of people requiring a gluten-free diet
Information for prescribers to give to patients
Changes to gluten free prescribing have been made by Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNY ICB) following a review of clinical policies and guidelines. Your health care professional has been asked to carry out these changes on behalf of the ICB and is not responsible for the decision that has been made.
The change is being made for the following reasons:
Health – Encouraging people to follow a diet that is naturally gluten free will have greater health benefits than supporting the use of highly processed substitute foods.
Equity - There is inequity in the current policies with differing criteria being used across HNY.
Access – access to gluten free foods has improved significantly in recent years
Cost – Gluten free prescribing costs the ICB circa 400k per annum. The total cost to the NHS of gluten free bread on prescription can be higher than the price of a similar GF product in local shops
In order to support people through this change, we have developed some resources that can help with healthy food choices, access to support groups and understanding which foods are naturally gluten free and these can be accessed at Gluten-free (GF) products - HNY Policy and Pathway Repository
Please be assured that the decision to make this change follows a programme of engagement with patients, primary care colleagues and gastroenterologists. The report detailing the findings of the engagement work can be accessed at Commissioning Optimisation - Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). If, after reading the information provided in these links, you want to raise a concern, you can contact the ICB Experience Team at hnyicb.experience@nhs.net or 01482 957750.
Further information for prescribers only
If you require further support or have any question regarding the clinical application of the policy, please contact hnyicb.clinicaleffectivenessunit@nhs.net
Associated Policies
Specialties
Places covered by
- Vale of York