CHANGES which could see the axing of gluten-free foods on prescription are being opposed by a national charity.

Coeliac UK claims the proposal – by NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – would have a huge impact on vulnerable patients.

The CCG says it spends over £100,000 a year on the prescriptions, for about 580 patients, but is facing "difficult decisions" over its funding.

It is currently consulting the public on whether to maintain the policy, which it says was created at a time when gluten-free foods were not as readily available as they are today.

But the proposed cuts have angered Coeliac UK, which claims the move would affect the ability of patients to stick to a gluten-free diet.

It warns that long-term health implications could result, including osteoporosis, infertility and – in rare cases – small bowel cancer.

Sarah Sleet, the charity's chief executive, said: "For someone medically diagnosed with coeliac disease, there is no choice but to follow a gluten-free diet – day in, day out for life – and so access to gluten-free staples is critical, and not as easy as you might think.

"The expansion of 'free from' aisles in large supermarkets masks the reality of very patchy provision.

"Research published in 2015 found that budget supermarkets, most frequented by people on lower incomes and an essential lifeline in rural and city-centre communities, stocked no gluten-free food.

"Offering such food on prescription is a service which provides essential NHS support to help manage a lifelong autoimmune disease.

"We are concerned that if approved, this policy would result in health inequality and have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable.

"Any reduction in the gluten-free prescription service for people with coeliac disease is being based on budgets, rather than patient need or clinical evidence."

The CCG says that due to increasing costs and demand for services – coupled with growing financial restraints placed on the NHS – it is having to review what it commissions.

A spokesman added: "These are difficult decisions, but we must focus our limited resources where we can have the biggest impact on people's health and wellbeing.

"Whilst the cost of gluten-free products is free for the patient if they are exempt from prescription charges, this still has to be paid for by the NHS.

"The average cost of a gluten-free loaf in supermarkets is £1.50 to £2, but the cost to the NHS can be up to four times as much and there is an additional dispensing fee."

It is urging people to have their say as part of the consultation, which runs until March 31.

So far, 450 responses have been received.

A series of consultation drop-in sessions is being staged across the district, with the final one taking place at Skipton Town Hall next Friday (Mar 3), from 10.15am to 11.45am.

People can also complete a questionnaire at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/65HXF2X.