Gluten-free products no longer available on NHS prescription in Staffordshire for adults

Bosses at the four Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in the south and east of the county made the decision – saving around £250,000 a year.

It came as chiefs looked to comply with national guidance and stop a "postcode lottery" by bringing the changes in line with other areas of Staffordshire.

But children will still receive prescriptions for staple items – with the £250,000 a year saved a result being ploughed back into healthcare.

Dr Paddy Hannigan, chair of Stafford and Surrounds CCG, said: "I would like to thank the people and organisations who participated in the engagement leading up to this decision.

"Many patient groups need to follow dietary advice. They get support but they do not get prescriptions for the food they eat.

"The best advice for people with severe food intolerances is to leave those foods out of your diet.

"The prescribing of gluten free alternatives is a historical anomaly that dates from when bread, in particular, was thought to be a dietary essential.

"It is now recognised you can have a perfectly healthy and nutritious diet without food containing gluten, and gluten free bread, biscuits, cake, pasta and other products are more widely available and affordable than previously."

The decision was made after a consultation was launched in the county earlier this year.

The prescription foods had been available to adults with Coeliac Disease (CD) – an autoimmune disease which involves a reaction to gluten which is found in wheat, rye and barley.

Dr Hannigan added: "This introduces one policy for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and brings us in line with national guidance and much of the rest of the country."

The decision applies to the Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, South East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula, along with Stafford and Surrounds CCGs and their areas.

North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs have previously adopted the policy.