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Views wanted on whether gluten-free products should be prescribed in Staffordshire

Health bosses in Staffordshire who spend more than £280,000 on gluten-free alternative foods have asked people to have their say over whether it should continue.

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A consultation has been launched.

More than 16,000 prescriptions are written across Stafford, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth, East Staffordshire and South Staffordshire for the items per year.

But now a survey, which started on Monday , is aiming to find whether people believe this is "still the best use" of NHS resources amid funding pressures.

Proposed changes put forward would see GPs prescribe gluten-free bread and flour mixes only for youngsters under the age of 18.

Gluten is found predominantly in wheat, barley, rye and oats and makes people with coeliac disease unwell – with symptoms including abdominal pain and bloating.

Dr Paddy Hannigan, GP and chair of Stafford and Surrounds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "Historically the NHS began prescribing GF alternatives because they were very expensive, hard to find in shops and it was thought it was difficult to have a balanced diet without foods such as bread. This is not the case anymore.

Dr Paddy Hannigan

"You can have a perfectly balanced diet by eating food without gluten like meat, fish, rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruits.

"GF alternatives are now also widely available and more affordable, with most larger supermarkets having GF sections."

The availability of GF alternatives on prescription is restricted in many areas of the country – after national guidance.

Dr Hannigan added: “Many people have intolerances to different foods, with nut allergies having a particularly high profile. The standard advice is to avoid food that makes you unwell.

"There are also many patients, like those with diabetes, who have to follow strict dietary guidelines.

"They benefit from dietary advice available from the NHS but do not get any extra support with following their diet."

The survey runs until midnight on February 9 and can be found by visiting https://nhs.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=157131891964

Paper copies can be obtained by emailing mlcsu.researchservices@nhs.net or calling 0333 150 2155.

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