Gluten Free Services

Service specification (what it is, how it works)

In the pharmacy sector, a gluten-free service refers to a structured program that allows patients with conditions like coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis to access gluten-free foods through community pharmacies as part of their NHS prescription. This service is particularly common in Scotland and some parts of the UK.

What It Is

  • A voluntary service offered by community pharmacies for patients who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet for medical reasons.
  • It provides formulated gluten-free foods (such as bread and flour mixes) free of charge on prescription, helping patients maintain dietary compliance. [nhsinform.scot]

How It Works

  1. Eligibility
    • You must have a confirmed diagnosis of coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.
    • Be registered with a GP and live in an area where the service is available (e.g., Scotland). [nhsinform.scot]
  2. Registration
    • Patients register for the service through their pharmacy.
    • Once registered, they can order gluten-free foods monthly without visiting a GP.
  3. Ordering & Allocation
    • Gluten-free foods are allocated in units (e.g., 1 unit = 400g bread).
    • Patients can mix and match items within their monthly allowance based on age and gender. [glutafin.co.uk]
  4. Annual Health Check
    • Pharmacists conduct yearly reviews, checking weight, height, and dietary compliance.
    • They adjust unit allocations if needed and refer patients to healthcare professionals for further support. [nhsinform.scot]
  5. Benefits
    • Reduces GP workload.
    • Gives patients more control and variety in their diet.
    • Improves adherence to gluten-free diets, preventing complications like osteoporosis and malnutrition. [england.nhs.uk]

Additional Role of Pharmacists

  • Medication Safety: Pharmacists also check for gluten in medicines and supplements, as some formulations may contain gluten or be cross-contaminated. This is crucial because accidental ingestion can cause symptoms and long-term harm in coeliac patients. [pharmacist.com]

Resources

Official NHS & UK Guidance

  1. NHS Scotland – Gluten-free Food Service
    Explains eligibility, registration, ordering process, and annual health checks for patients using community pharmacy services.
    Read on NHS Inform [nhsinform.scot]
  2. Community Pharmacy Scotland – Service Details & Support Tools
    Includes key facts, patient leaflets, order forms, and pharmacist responsibilities.
    Visit Community Pharmacy Scotland [cps.scot]
  3. Coeliac UK – Prescriptions Information
    Explains what gluten-free foods are available on prescription and regional differences.
    Read Coeliac UK Guidance [coeliac.org.uk]

Pharmacist Training & Medication Safety

Beyond Celiac – Education for Pharmacists
Focuses on gluten in medications and labeling issues.
Learn More [beyondceliac.org]

  1. Gluten in Medications: A Primer for Pharmacists
    CE resource covering gluten-related disorders and medication risks.
    Access Primer [pharmacist.com]
  2. Gluten-Free Drugs Database
    Maintained by a clinical pharmacist; lists gluten-free medications and excipients.
    Visit GlutenFreeDrugs.com [theceliacscene.com]

Practical Tools

  • Order Forms & Formularies: Available via NHS Inform and local health boards.
  • Annual Health Check Templates: Included in Community Pharmacy Scotland resources.
  • Medication Checklists: Use GlutenFreeDrugs.com for quick reference.