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West Kent CCG will not discuss prescribing gluten free foods after national media report on NHS England plans

The NHS' West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group has removed an item concerning gluten free foods from the agenda for this afternoon's meeting.

The CCG's governing body took the decision after the national media reported NHS England will no longer prescribe gluten free foods.

Speaking to the Daily Mail Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, announced plans to stop prescribing 10 items in order to save £128million a year.

Prescribing gluten free foods was due to be discussed this afternoon
Prescribing gluten free foods was due to be discussed this afternoon

A review will be carried out next month after which the Department of Health is expected to issue guidance to GPs.

West Kent CCG were due to discuss recommendations following a recent consultation on stopping the prescribing of gluten free foods at its meeting at The Village hotel, Maidstone.

Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of West Kent CCG, said: “In light of the story in the media about NHS England considering the prescribing of gluten free foods, West Kent CCG is not going to discuss this issue at the governing body today."

West Kent CCG, which covers Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells and the southern part of Sevenoaks, will not discuss the topic until NHS England has conducted its review.

In addition to gluten free foods, omega 3 and fish oils, the painkiller fentanyl, lidocaine medicated plasters, a tablet used to treat high blood pressure called doxazosin MR, travel vaccines and a drug called tadalafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, are at risk.

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