In November 2013 the Scottish Government via circular PCA (P) (2013) 29 announced the introduction of the Gluten-Free Food (GFF) Pharmaceutical Service in community pharmacies on a trial basis.
In September 2015 circular PCA (P) (2015) 24 advised that following a review of the trial, the service was to continue as an Additional Pharmaceutical Service.
In July 2016 circular PCA (P) (2016) 13 advised community pharmacies and health boards of an amendment to the drug tariff in respect of GFF service remuneration.
In September 2017 circular PCA (P) (2017) 9 advised of changes to the products eligible for prescribing under the GFF service and that NHS Boards should update local formularies to reflect these changes, it also noted that: ONLY products on the local formulary can be prescribed in that health board area.
In May 2023 circular PCA (P) (2023) 20 advised of further changes to the products eligible for prescribing.
NHS Lothian have updated the Gluten-Free Food Request Order Form to reflect these changes. It should be noted that all products have been selected on the basis of palatability and nutritional value.
Both adult and paediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of either Coeliac Disease or Dermatitis Herpetiformis will benefit from this scheme.
The GFF Service allows patients to self-manage their gluten free prescriptions with the assistance of community pharmacy. Patients eligible for the service will be identified by their GP. NHSinform have information available for patients and GPs.
Patients are required to register for the service via completion of the Patient registration form by their GP, including allocated number of units each month as per the Lothian Joint Formulary recommendations.
Newly diagnosed patients will first go through the Dietetic Service. This will be followed by a letter to their GP including the allocated number of units for that patient.
The patient should then take the completed registration form to their chosen community pharmacy. The community pharmacist must complete a Pharmacy Care Record (PCR) for each registered patient and must also complete a Pharmacy Annual Coeliac Disease Health Check contained on the PCR for all coeliac disease patients aged over 16. Any clinical referral resulting from the health check should be directed to the patient’s GP.
Patients will be able to choose which staple foods they require from the Lothian Formulary up to their maximum allocated units by completing a Gluten-Free Food Request Order Form. The completed forms must be retained in the pharmacy for 12 months.
Community pharmacists can either hand write prescriptions on CPUS stationery (MUST complete with CHI number for the patient) or use Universal Claim Framework (UCF) and claim electronically.
Community pharmacy contractors are required to complete and maintain the following:
- A Patient Registration Form for each individual;
- A complete list of registered patients;
- A Pharmacy Care Record (PCR) and updated assessment tool;
- Monthly CPUS form or CP43 if UCF enabled, for each patient including CHI numbers, details of the items dispensed and GP practice number.
Pharmacy Resources:
- NES Pharmacist Support Pack
- Gluten-Free Support Tool Assessment
- Lothian Joint Formulary
- Coeliac UK
- Gluten Free Foods Request Order Form
Patient Information:
GP Information:
Other Resources:
- Scottish Government Circulars links above
- Community Pharmacy Scotland
