PRESCRIPTIONS for gluten-free food could be stopped in Bury to save the health service cash.

Bury Clinical Commissioning Group has been considering the move since last summer in a bid to save £79,000 a year.

But people with dietary conditions such as coeliac disease claim the decision could lead to them suffering health and money problems.

Health bosses said they are minded to withdraw the prescriptions, but would defer their decision until May while more work is done with those affected.

Referring to a long-running consultation process, NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) chairman Dr Kiran Patel said: "We are grateful for the feedback we received around the availability of gluten-free foods on prescription for adults.

"A key theme from the feedback was a concern that, by withdrawing prescriptions, adults would find it more difficult to follow a gluten-free diet and that this might increase the risk of complications.

"Having considered all of the feedback, options, risks and benefits, the CCG's governing body felt minded to make a decision to withdraw NHS prescriptions for gluten-free products for adults registered with a Bury GP practice.

"However, this decision will be deferred until May in order for a proposal to be developed and assurance provided around how patients living with coeliac disease can be better supported to manage their condition through regular reviews and patient information and education."

Almost 200 people took part in the consultation, which ended in December.

One of those was Tottington woman Susan Cullen, who suffers from coeliac disease.

Mrs Cullen, of Woodstock Drive, said: "At Tesco, a small loaf of gluten-free bread costs £3 and bagels are well over £2.

"It's not something I can really afford, but it would be particularly hard for pensioners."

Prescription food is much cheaper than the shops, added Mrs Cullen, and she added that people might end up in hospital if they "take dietary shortcuts" to save money.

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of the Coeliac UK charity, agrees and believes that the CCG will lose money in the long run as more is spent on treating people in hospital as a result.

Ms Sleet added: "The provision of gluten-free staple food on prescription is a vital element of the support offered to these patients by the NHS and it is essential to prevent long-term damage to health."