We understand having coeliac disease is not a choice, and that under its constitution, the NHS should be providing a comprehensive services available to all and that access is based on clinical need and not an ability to pay. This is what we are arguing for.

However, the government is insisting that savings must be made within the NHS. As the government has made a decision that gluten free food is an area where efficiencies can be found, we need to present strong arguments that show patient need and how prescribing can be more efficient. We have done this by presenting options for improved NHS procurement and management.

If we fail to convince the government of the validity of our arguments, we must be prepared to say that there are some very vulnerable patients whose health will be at risk if clinical discretion is not allowed.