Dietitians have led the way on a new scheme, adopted by the Welsh Government, that gives more choice and freedom to people receiving gluten-free food on prescription.
In a first for the UK, people with conditions like coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, who currently rely on a prescription, will be able to use a pre-paid card to subsidise purchases of gluten-free foods online and in supermarkets.
The scheme aims to alleviate the financial pressure experienced by individuals when seeking gluten-free alternatives. In a 2024 report by Coeliac UK, it was found that weekly food shops can be up to 35% more expensive when keeping to a gluten-free diet.
Additionally, 8 in 10 people reported that they struggled to afford gluten-free products.
From the beginning, dietitians have been central to the development of this subsidy card scheme. Alison Jones, BDA member and Clinical Lead Medicines Management Dietitian, led the successful pilot and testing phase at Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Reflecting on the scheme and her involvement, Alison said "The pilot was so successful that 86% of those who took part didn't wish to return to the prescription system. Research showed that participants felt it gave them more choice, flexibility and variety in their diet, was easier to manage than prescriptions and went towards de-medicalising a condition that didn't need a GP to prescribe for.
"Working with my medicine management dietetic colleague, Kayleigh Edwards, and the dietetic and medicine management departments of Hywel Dda, the scheme was adopted across the health board from 2019-2022.
The card now supports over 75% of those in Hywel Dda with a diagnosis, as well as reducing the workload for GPs and community pharmacists.
Alison added, "The discussions that have come about since the announcement that this scheme will be nationwide, highlight the importance of support for people with coeliac disease, both in terms of helping to improve access to gluten-free food but also developing dietetic interventions to educate and advocate for this population group."
The BDA welcomes the move from the Welsh Government to improve affordability and access to gluten-free alternatives for those that need them.