Gluten-free resource pack Contents 1. Frequently asked questions 2. Gluten-free suppliers list 3. Gluten-free menu suggestions 4. Gluten-free checklist (from Coeliac UK) 5. Gluten-free diet on a budget (from Coeliac UK)
1. Frequently asked questions 1. What was the result of the recent government consultation on Gluten- Free (GF) foods? GF foods are available on prescription to patients diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and have been since the late 1960s when the availability to purchase GF food was extremely limited. A wide range of GF foods is now readily available in supermarkets and other food outlets, meaning that the ability for patients to obtain these foods without a prescription has greatly increased. Following its consultation on the availability of GF foods on NHS prescription in 2017, the government has now decided to restrict GF prescribing to bread products and flour mixes only. The majority of consultation responses were in favour of this. This national decision will affect those people who have a condition called Coeliac Disease. Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition where the small intestine becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. Changes to the prescribing of GF foods could save NHS resources and reduce the Primary Care prescription drugs bill by up to 25.7 million per annum. 2. What changes will I see? The change has already been agreed by NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group based on national guidance. Locally, the changes will start to be implemented from Friday 12 th October 2018. 3. What are you doing to support people who are having their GF prescriptions stopped? To implement these national changes locally, patients will be contacted individually to let them know of the changes. Patients will also be directed to an online Resource Pack, developed by our NHS colleagues in Gloucester in conjunction with a dietician, with detailed information to help patients find alternative ways of following a GF diet.
4. Where can I get the GF products from now? / What if I can t get to supermarkets and bigger shops? Most supermarkets and health food shops now stock both their own range of GF alternative foods and other branded ranges, including some of those you may have been getting on prescription. Some smaller convenience stores also stock GF alternative products. It may be worthwhile telephoning your local supermarket or shop to make sure that they have the products available before you visit, as stock levels will change from time to time. If you find that your local supermarket or shop does not stock what you need, it may be worthwhile talking to them about GF alternative foods and asking if they could start stocking the products for you. You may also continue to use your pharmacy to order GF foods and pay them directly, although this is a more expensive option. Many GF food manufacturers offer a direct home delivery service. Details of this can be found in the online resource pack. Large supermarkets and health food shops are also able to offer home delivery through their websites. 5. I can t afford to buy GF products We appreciate that the price of GF alternative foods can be more expensive than standard products containing gluten. However, the price difference is quite variable depending on the product type. Many staple foods such as rice, potatoes, corn, lentils, meat, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables are naturally GF; these are widely available and can be used to ensure a nutritious GF diet. In the resource pack there is more information about how to follow a GF diet on a budget. 6. Where can I get help with following a GF diet? If you are now under the care of your GP and you have concerns about following a GF diet, please speak to your GP or practice nurse. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines mean that you should have an Annual Review with your GP to discuss your diet and general health, including having blood tests. If you are still under review by
the dietitians and gastroenterologists at the hospital, you may also get support there. Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease, provides excellent support and advice on following a GF diet. If you are not an active member of Coeliac UK we would strongly recommend you join / renew your membership. They have a very wide range of materials and support to help you effectively and affordably manage a GF diet, including a Food and Drink Directory which lists thousands of GF products available in shops. Contact the Coeliac Society on 0333 332 2033 (Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm) or at www.coeliac.org.uk. 7. Where can I get more information? If you still have questions about following a GF diet, please read through the information provided in the resource pack. You can download the pack here: www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk/images/page%20images/about-us/gluten-free.htm 8. Who can I talk to if I still have a concern or query? If your concern relates to your health then please contact your GP or Practice Nurse. Alternatively, if you have a concern or query you can contact NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group s Patient Liaison Team: - Call 01925 843 743 - Write to us via: NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group Arpley House 110 Birchwood Boulevard Birchwood Warrington WA3 7QH - Email complaints.nhswarringtonccg@nhs.net
2. Gluten-free suppliers
3. Gluten-free menu suggestions These suggestions can help you plan your meals using foods that are naturally gluten-free: Breakfast: Gluten-free cereal with milk and fruit or Low fat yogurt with fruit and mixed seeds and nuts or Eggs and grilled bacon with potato cake and fruit juice Snack: Lunch: Vegetable sticks such as carrot, cucumber and peppers with houmous or low-fat cream cheese Baked Potato filled with tuna and sweetcorn or baked beans and cheese, served with salad or Rice cakes spread with peanut butter and apple slices Good for packed lunches! or Corn tortillas filled with ham, cheese and salad - Good for packed lunches! Snack: Evening meal: Fruit, a small handful of nuts or low fat natural yogurt Vegetable curry with rice or quinoa or Beef and lentil stew with vegetables, rice, polenta or potatoes (check any stock used to ensure it is gluten-free) or Chicken and mushroom risotto (check any stock used to ensure it is gluten-free) or Omelette, potato wedges and salad or vegetables
Helpful hints: Cooking from scratch is often cheaper than ready-prepared meals and easier to make sure that the meal is gluten-free Be careful to check the ingredients list for any gluten containing ingredients Choosing local, seasonal, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables can be cheaper and are just as nourishing as fresh, imported, or out of season varieties Supermarket own brand foods can be better value than well-known alternatives Bulk buying ingredients, batch cooking and freezing leftovers can be more cost effective and time saving! Taking time to plan your meals weekly and then shop only for those can help manage your budget and save you time Choose wholegrain varieties of rice and keep the skin on potatoes to help increase your fibre intake and keep you feeling fuller for longer Adding lentils and fresh or frozen vegetables to stews and casseroles can make the meal stretch further and increase its nutritional value Try to avoid cooking separate meals for family members; instead adapt the meal to include their favourite foods where possible
4. Gluten-free checklist (from Coeliac UK)
5. Gluten-free diet on a budget (from Coeliac UK