(2) what the average period between referral from a diagnosis with coeliac disease and assessment by a dietician was in the latest period for which figures are available;
(3) how many patients with coeliac disease had an annual review undertaken in the (a) secondary care and (b) primary care sectors in the last 12 months.
The information requested is not collected.
The net ingredient cost (NIC) of gluten-free products prescription items written in the United Kingdom and dispensed in the community in England, by calendar year, as defined in the British National Formulary (BNF), is given as follows.
£000 2006 31,316.6 2007 32,008.2 2008 35,241.2 Source: Prescription Cost Analysis
The BNF does not categorise gluten-free products in a specific section. The figures listed relate to all BNF items with ‘G/F’ (gluten-free) within their name. Gluten-free products are covered predominantly in section 9.4.1—“Foods for Special Diets” of the BNF but items are also included in other sections including prescriptions relating to enteral nutrition and laxatives.
No such assessment has been undertaken. As this is a locally commissioned service, individual primary care trusts are expected to monitor effectiveness.