NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has today launched a 12-week public involvement exercise to hear from local people about the future of NHS gluten-free food prescribing.
The review focuses on prescriptions of gluten-free breads and mixes for people with diagnosed conditions such as coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.
Prescribing of gluten-free products has been in place for many years, but changes in product availability, cost pressures, and growing demands on NHS resources have prompted a fresh look at how these services are funded locally.
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer for NHS South Yorkshire, said: “We understand how essential a gluten-free diet is for those with coeliac disease. However, we must consider whether prescriptions for gluten-free products are still the best use of NHS resources to meet wider community needs. That’s why we want to hear from the public before any decisions are made.”
Four options are being considered, including reducing or stopping gluten-free prescribing or limiting it to certain groups. The preferred option currently under review is to provide gluten-free bread and mixes only to children and young people under the age of 18.
How to Get Involved:
- Complete the survey online: www.bit.ly/glutenfreeprescribing
- Request a paper copy or presentation by email: syicb.involve@nhs.net
- Visit the website for more information: www.southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/get-involved
The engagement runs until 17 October 2025. Feedback will be used to inform a final decision by the NHS South Yorkshire ICB Governing Body, which meets in public on 5 November 2025.