24
Prescriptions
update
NHS SCOTLAND PUTS PATIENTS FIRST
AND PHARMACIES IN THE LEAD
F
ollowing a successful 18 month
pilot, the Scottish Government
has agreed that the Gluten-Free
Food Service (GFFS) should be part of
the healthcare offered to patients with
coeliac disease in Scotland.
The review of the 2014/15 pilot found
almost universal support for continuing
the Service amongst GPs, patients and
community pharmacists.
During the pilot, 82% of patients
switched to getting their prescription
from their community pharmacy, and
85% of GPs responding to the evaluation
survey said that the GFFS had reduced
their workload.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said:
“There are around 5,000 patients in
Scotland who will benefit from these
changes - helping those who have a
clinical need for a gluten-free diet to
have greater control and more flexibility
in managing their condition.”
For those patients affected,
maintaining a gluten-free diet can
improve their health and prevent NHS
treatment further down the line. This
is particularly important for patients on
low incomes who may not be able to
afford to maintain this specialised diet.”
Pharmacy-led schemes for the
supply of gluten-free food have long
been advocated by Coeliac UK and
we are delighted that NHS Scotland
can confirm that the GFFS provides
additional flexibility and capacity,
delivering real benefits to the NHS, all
while improving the service offered
to patients.
PRESCRIPTIONS
“THERE ARE AROUND 5,000 PATIENTS
IN SCOTLANDWHOWILL BENEFIT
FROM THESE CHANGES.”
