Share your views on changes to Gluten-Free Prescriptions in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire NHS is reviewing how gluten-free bread and flour are provided on prescription. Currently, around 800 patients with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis receive up to eight units of gluten-free products per week through NHS prescriptions.

We are considering stopping gluten-free bread and flour prescriptions or limiting the prescribing of gluten-free bread and flour to clearly defined specific groups. However, for those who require these products for clinical safety, prescriptions would continue. Before making a final decision, we want to hear your views.

Why are we proposing this change?

Gluten-free foods were once difficult to find, so they were made available through prescriptions. Today, supermarkets widely stock gluten-free products at competitive prices. People with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis can maintain a healthy gluten-free diet by choosing naturally gluten-free foods like brown rice, potatoes, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.

Food labelling has improved, making it easier to identify gluten-free options. Although gluten-free products can be more expensive, the NHS pays significantly more for them—up to four times the supermarket price—due to additional processing and prescription costs.

Prescriptions for gluten-free bread and flour cost Lincolnshire NHS £230,000 per year. Reducing or stopping these prescriptions will help cut waste, free up pharmacy time, and allow funds to support other essential services.

Tell us what you think

We are consulting on two main proposals:

• Stop all prescribing of gluten-free bread and flour with no replacement system
• Limit the prescribing of gluten-free bread and flour to clearly defined specific groups

Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), which oversees local healthcare services, wants to understand how this change would affect you and your family.

This engagement has now closed.

If you would prefer to speak to a member of our team about your experience/s, please contact the Engagement Team via e-mail – licb@involveus@nhs.net.

Your feedback will remain confidential under the Data Protection Act 2018.

What happens next?

We will review the consultation results alongside clinical, financial, and practical factors before making a final decision. This is not a public vote, but your input is essential in shaping the outcome.

Thank you for sharing your views.