Improvements to Communication around Gluten Free Prescribing

In 2017, Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (MK CCG) took the decision to restrict the prescribing of all gluten free items in Milton Keynes. Last Year, Healthwatch Milton Keynes facilitated two focus groups with a view to understanding the impact of the changes to gluten free prescribing on participants. Healthwatch Milton Keynes (HWMK) published a report of their findings in May 2019. Click Here to read the report.

MK CCG’s response to the report fell short of any clear commitment to action against the recommendations set out in the report. HWMK has continued to pursue the areas where the response was not particularly robust. 

Healthwatch Milton Keynes recommended that MK CCG improve information to patients about the restrictions to gluten free prescribing and encourage them to share their concerns and health experiences with their doctor. A poster was created in 2017 to inform patients about the changes to gluten-free prescribing. However, the poster did not offer any more information about where people could go to seek more information about the decision-making process, and how to feedback their concerns. Information about what to do if you have a concern has now been added to the poster.

MK CCG has also updated the patient information on their website about the provision of gluten free foods, and has made it easier for the public to navigate the way to the relevant page. This updated information can be found here. 

If a GP feels that a patient is at risk of dietary neglect, they can complete a funding application to be prescribed bread and flour mixes. HWMK has received assurance from the MK CCG that there is a small local panel, made up of MK CCG staff, who look at these funding applications. To date, 50% of those who have applied have subsequently received bread and flour mixes on prescription.