Coventry & Warwickshire ICB annouces decision to end Gluten-Free Food Prescriptions
Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has made the decision to end the routine prescription of gluten-free (GF) foods for adults and children with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. This change will take effect from 31st March 2026, following a transition period to support patients and ensure continued access to dietary advice and support.
Why the change?
The ICB currently spends £240,000 per year on GF food prescriptions, which are limited to a monthly maximum on 10 units of certain breads and flour mixes only. GF foods are now widely available in the majority of supermarkets and online, and the cost to the NHS of prescribing these items is significantly higher than the cost to patients purchasing them directly.
GF foods are not a treatment for coeliac disease in the way medicines are. The condition is managed by avoiding gluten, not by using a specific GF product for therapeutic benefit. Prescriptions for GF foods were originally introduced when such products were hard to access, but this is no longer the case and naturally gluten-free foods such as rice, potatoes and corn flour remain cheap, accessible, and widely understood as alternatives. Other allergy-related diets are not supported through routine prescriptions.
As part of our work to ensure that our NHS resources are used in the best way possible for the local population, we have taken the decision to no longer offer GF foods via prescription.
Engagement and Evidence
The ICB conducted a thorough engagement process, including a survey of patients, clinicians, and advocacy groups and conversations with local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees. The main concerns raised were about the increased cost of GF foods and the potential impact on dietary adherence, especially for vulnerable groups. However, evidence from other areas that have already stopped GF prescribing shows no significant adverse health outcomes. The ICB will also undertake monitoring following the changes to ensure that there are no adverse health outcomes recorded locally due to the change.
Prescribing data also showed no correlation between deprivation and prescribing rates, suggesting that clinical diagnosis, not socioeconomic status, drives prescribing. Analysis shows the additional cost is around £11–£14 per month for most people. This estimate is based on comparing prices of the cheapest widely available supermarket bread with GF equivalents and reflects a worst-case scenario for most individuals, although we acknowledge that it could be more in some cases.
Support for Patients
The ICB recognises that this change may add to some people’s food budgets and mean they may have to adjust their diet in response. To support those affected:
- Prescriptions will continue until 31st March 2026, allowing time for patients to adjust.
- GP practices will be asked to contact individuals affected by the change prior to 31st March.
- GPs will be provided with information and resources to help patients adhere to a gluten-free diet. This information will also be shared publicly on the ICB website.
- Patients with complex dietary needs or socioeconomic vulnerabilities can be referred for further support
- The ICB will monitor the changes to ensure that there are not any adverse impacts to health following the change.
Dr. Imogen Staveley, Chief Medical Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, said:
“We understand that living with coeliac disease can be challenging, and we have carefully considered the impact of this decision. Gluten-free foods are now widely available in supermarkets, and the NHS must focus its resources on treatments that deliver the greatest health benefit. We are committed to supporting patients through this transition with advice, signposting, and access to dietetic support where needed.”
If you or someone you care for may be affected by these changes, please be assured that you will be contacted in the new year to explain the next steps and there is no action for you to take immediately. If you would like to contact us regarding this change you can do so here but please note that we cannot offer clinical advice.
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This news story has been copied from the ICB website via the link below.
