Launch of gluten-free pharmacy scheme in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) is launching a brand new initiative in conjunction with the county's pharmacists that will enable Coeliac patients to access gluten free products direct from their local pharmacist.

The new initiative is being launched in Northamptonshire on Monday 3rd December and means that patients will be able to order their gluten free products simply by registering with their local pharmacist instead of having to go through their GP.

Explained Vicki Bray from Northamptonshire Teaching PCT, "We are one of just a handful of PCT's in the Country to be offering this brand new facility.  The benefits of patients dealing directly with their local pharmacy for their gluten free products are three fold.  Not only will it free up GP time, but patients will have more choice of gluten free products, and pharmacists will be utilising their pharmaceutical skills to greater effect - we are delighted that the scheme is now in a position to be rolled out across the county."

The scheme has the backing of the charity Coeliac UK. Chief Executive of Coeliac UK, Sarah Sleet said: "The Gluten-Free Pharmacy Scheme is a fantastic initiative we would like to congratulate Northamptonshire PCT and local pharmacists for improving access to gluten-free products for people with coeliac disease. We hope more Primary Care Trusts will follow suit."

As from next week, when Coeliac patients visit their GPs for their repeat  prescription for gluten free products, they will be either given or sent a referral letter which should be handed to their local pharmacy in order to register for the new service.

Once registered, patients will then select with the pharmacist their gluten free products using the  local guidelines which have been approved by Coeliac UK.  To ensure continuity they will then be required to fill out the standard monthly order form. 

If patients' symptoms change or have they any concerns then they should speak to their pharmacist who may refer them to the dietitian of their own GP.