A new pre-paid card will be rolled out across Wales to give
people who receive gluten-free food on prescription greater
choice and freedom.
The card will allow people with conditions like coeliac disease
and dermatitis herpetiformis to access a wider range of
gluten-free foods in supermarkets and online instead of relying
only on a prescription.
The National Gluten-Free Subsidy Card Scheme - a UK first - is an
alternative way for people to access these foods.
It will be rolled out across Wales from the autumn and people who
currently receive gluten-free food on prescription will be
contacted by their health board as the scheme goes live in their
local area.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:
“For people living with coeliac disease, following a strict
gluten-free diet is not a lifestyle choice but a medical
necessity.
“We want to de-medicalise the supply of gluten-free foods in
Wales, giving people more freedom to access the food they want to
eat, more conveniently, to help them to manage their condition.
“The scheme will contribute to reducing administrative burdens on
GPs and pharmacies, while promoting a more effective use of NHS
resources”
The new card scheme has been extensively tested in Hywel Dda
University Health Board. Cherylee Barker was a part of
the pilot scheme and has been using the card for six years. She
said:
“I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2007 and quickly
realised that maintaining a gluten-free diet would be costly,
with limited shopping options and hit-and-miss food choices.
"I jumped at the chance to join the pilot. I could try new
products without feeling financially stretched and take back
control of my diet.
"The card empowers me to buy the food I want and make better
lifestyle choices. It's one of the best contributors to my
healthier life."
Dietician Alison Jones led the successful pilot and
implementation at Hywel Dda. She said:
“As a dietitian I am delighted to see the pre-paid subsidy card
being adopted across Wales for people with coeliac disease.
“From its use within Hywel Dda we know that the card provides
more choice, flexibility and variety, making it easier for them
to manage their gluten free diets and whilst still providing the
support they need.”
People who are eligible will be offered a choice between a
traditional prescription for gluten-free food or the new card
scheme, based on their specific needs.
The contactless card works like a standard pre-paid Mastercard
and will be topped up every three months.
Notes to editors
Additional quote:
-
Dr , a GP at Cross
Hands Surgery in Llanelli, said: “The pre-paid card offers an
alternative, more flexible, dignified and cost-effective
approach to dietary care, supporting patient independence while
easing pressure on NHS services. It is greatly appreciated by
my patients and practice team – we wouldn't be without it now.”
- People will be offered a choice between the traditional
prescription system or the new card scheme by their healthcare
team, and this will be based on their specific needs.
- The card is topped up every three months.
- When at the till, gluten-free foods have to be put through
separately to ensure only the gluten-free food is paid with the
card.
- The monthly subsidy has been calculated taking into account
the cost difference between gluten-free and gluten-containing
foods available to buy in supermarkets across a range of products
and population calorie requirements (for age and gender)
- The scheme has been available in Hywel Dda University Health
Board since 2019, with most people eligible for NHS care choosing
to use the scheme to access gluten-free foods.
- Health boards and the NHS Wales Shared Service Partnership
will be coordinating the roll out of the subsidy card scheme
across Wales, starting in the autumn.
- People who currently receive gluten-free food on prescription
will be contacted by their health board as the scheme goes live
in their local area.
