Even very small amounts of gluten can be damaging to people with coeliac disease. Therefore, taking sensible steps to avoid cross contamination with gluten is important.

It would be difficult to set up a pharmacy led supply scheme as an independent. If you are interested in setting up a pharmacy led supply scheme we would recommend speaking with your local Clinical Commissioning Group and other GP surgeries in your area to consider the potential for collaboration.

Items supplied on prescription are reimbursed through the national Prescription Pricing Department (PPD). The PPD receives all prescriptions dispensed and reimburses individual pharmacies and GP dispensaries accordingly. The cost of each prescription is taken from the appropriate GP surgery prescribing budget. In Northamptonshire, when the pharmacy led supply scheme was introduced in 2006, the funds came from the existing Primary Care Trust (PCT) prescribing budget.

Coeliac disease can develop and be diagnosed at any age. It may develop any time from after weaning to later in life and any time between. Coeliac disease is most frequently diagnosed in people aged 50-70 years old. Delayed diagnosis is common, Coeliac UK research shows the average time it takes to be diagnosed is 13 years.

Osteoporosis is a condition where the body's bones become brittle and are more likely to break. People with coeliac disease may have low bone mineral density (BMD), which is what is used to diagnose osteoporosis.

Coeliac UK has produced an online training course for caterers. Further information on the course can be found on the Coeliac UK website.

Coeliac UK gives you up to date information and support about your diet and health and as a Member, you will also have access to a range of exclusive services. You can join online or contact our Membership Team on 0333 332 2033 or generalenquiries@coeliac.org.uk.

On receipt of your application we will send out your Welcome Pack which includes Your Gluten Free Life booklet, a Gluten Free Checklist, offers and product information and your Food and Drink Guide.

Gluten-free oats may be introduced to the diet at any stage following diagnosis. However, a small percentage of people with coeliac disease are sensitive to gluten-free oats and if a patient has ongoing symptoms whilst including gluten-free oats in the diet, their use should be reviewed by a health professional. Read more about oats.

We publish an annual Food and Drink Guide which lists thousands of foods you can eat, and a Gluten-free Checklist which are free to Members. You can order publications from our online shop.

Coeliac disease affects all ethnic groups and is common in Europe and North America, as well as in southern Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and South America.