I agree that it is important that individuals with coeliac disease are able to access the appropriate food to help control symptoms and prevent long-term consequences of the disease. GPs are clinically responsible for prescribing the amount of gluten-free staples that are prescribed to each patient.
I understand concerns over changes, however, it is the responsibility of local Clinical Commissioning Groups to make decisions about prescribing policy in the local area.
I agree that it is important clinicians understand the wider symptoms of the condition and the investigations required to support an appropriate diagnosis. It is also important that patients who are diagnosed with this disease are given suitable advice and support about how to manage their diet accordingly and can be referred to specialist services, if clinically appropriate.
To support the treatment, care and support of patients with coeliac disease, in 2015 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence updated its best practice guideline. It sets out seven recommendations to improve services for coeliac patients and includes implementation advice for the local NHS on the provision of the laboratory testing and interpretation of results and access to healthcare professionals trained to give specialist dietetic advice in relation to coeliac disease.