NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) has taken the decision to remove gluten-free foods from the Dorset Medicines Formulary, which means these products will no longer be available on prescription.
- Identify all people currently prescribed gluten-free food products.
- Use the patient text messages and letters within SystmOne to notify people of a change to gluten-free food prescribing and sign-post patients and their caregivers to the NHS Dorset webpage containing information to support them through their change.
- Prescribe one further month of gluten-free products after notifying the person of the change and then de-prescribe. People will then need to obtain their supply of gluten-free foods from a food shop, either in-person or online retailer.
NHS England guidance (2018), stated that commissioning organisations can end the prescribing of all gluten-free foods if they feel this is appropriate for their population, while taking account of their legal duties to advance equity and have regard to reducing health inequalities.
This change is in line with other regions across England and recognises that the NHS must use the limited funding available in the best possible way for their population.
When gluten-free foods were initially launched, they were considered to be specialist products only available on prescription. However, over time the food products have become more widely available for purchase in food shops and online retailers. The labelling of food products has also improved over time, making it easier to identify gluten-free products.
Not all people access gluten-free foods on prescription. This change will help to ensure fair access to gluten-free foods for all people in Dorset.
In addition to the cost of the product, the NHS incurs costs associated with staff time to organise, prescribe and supply prescription products, as well pharmacy fees. Undertaking this change will allow NHS Dorset to allocate resources to meet the needs of the Dorset population and free up healthcare staff time to provide other services.
- Identify people prescribed gluten-free foods using the SystmOne search provided.
- Use the patient text messages and letters within SystmOne to notify people of a change to gluten-free food prescribing.
- Prescribe one further month of gluten-free products after notifying the person of the change and then de-prescribe. People will then need to obtain their supply of gluten-free foods from a food shop or online retailer.
- SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs> PQS Finance 25/26> F13 gluten free
- Template patient letter – in SystmOne communications annexe
- Template patient text message – Template patient letter – in SystmOne communications annexe
"NHS Dorset has made the difficult decision to ask all GP teams to stop prescribing gluten-free foods. From next month, your prescription will be stopped, and your gluten-free foods should be purchased from a shop. More information regarding this change is available at: https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/health/medicines/helpyournhs/gluten/ or via NHS Dorset at cutomer.care@nhsdorset.nhs.uk"
