Campaign Calls for an End to the Postcode Lottery for Coeliac Health

Campaign Calls for an End to the Postcode Lottery for Coeliac Health

Coeliac UK and supporters delivered a petition with over 20,000 signatures to Downing Street, backing calls for wider access to ‘gluten-free’ prescriptions across the UK. This follows the recent decision by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board to end ‘gluten free’ prescriptions across the area.

This support is essential in helping those with Coeliac disease manage their illness and maintain a healthy lifestyle, preventing future health problems or complications. Research by Coeliac UK suggests that a full weekly shop suitable for a gluten free diet can be 35% more expensive than a standard shop.

After delivering the petition, Amanda Hack said:

“Speaking with Coeliac UK and knowing how expensive it is to manage a restricted diet, we must put an end to the postcode lottery for people who are coeliac. Different areas around the country have varying levels of support available, this is just unacceptable.

I am worried about the decision by Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board’s to stop providing prescriptions. Focussing on dietary advice is of limited help if patients cannot afford the food they rely on to stay well. This has a wider impact on our local health services with people requiring medical support caused by not eating a gluten free diet.

The petition delivered to Downing Street shows the strength of feeling from those living with Coeliac disease, including people from Leicestershire, and I will continue to back calls to end this lottery which blights our health system.”

Coeliac UK said:

“Our campaign to end the postcode lottery of gluten free prescriptions has reached an important milestone. This week, with supporters from across the country, we took your message directly to Number 10 Downing Street and the UK Government!​

Leading the way at the petition hand-in were Kate Powell from Waterlooville, Hampshire, who has two daughters with coeliac disease,  Ceira Reading from Leicestershire and Anita Patel all sharing their personal experiences and highlighting how critical this issue is to families affected by coeliac disease.

Among the politicians showing their support were Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville, Tom Rutland MP, Sharon Hodgson MP and Amanda Hack MP further reinforcing the message that gluten free prescriptions are essential for managing coeliac disease. ​Following the hand-in, we will keep the entire community informed every step of the way as we look to work with the Minister and his team to implement much-needed change. ”