Research from the University of Roehampton is playing a key role in a national campaign to protect NHS prescription support for individuals with coeliac disease.
Coeliac UK, informed by studies led by Roehampton researchers, is urging the government to act by securing 20,000 signatures on a petition.
The petition will be delivered to Downing Street on 19 March, with Dr Yvonne Jeanes from the University of Roehampton attending a Parliamentary reception in recognition of her impactful research.
A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for coeliac disease, a condition affecting 1 in 100 people. While UK government guidelines state that gluten-free food should be available on prescription, access remains inconsistent, leaving many patients struggling to afford essential dietary staples.
Research conducted by Dr Yvonne Jeanes and MSc Clinical Nutrition student Ozan Hanzi informed Coeliac UK’s 2024 Cost of Living Report, highlighting the financial barriers faced by those reliant on a gluten-free diet.
A separate Roehampton study, led by Dr Humayun Muhammad and Dr Yvonne Jeanes, previously influenced UK government policy by demonstrating that access to gluten-free prescriptions improves adherence to a gluten-free diet. Another Roehampton study published in 2024 found that:
- 53% of adults with coeliac disease struggle to afford gluten-free food, affecting their ability to follow the diet.
- Patients receiving gluten-free prescriptions were more likely to adhere to their medically necessary diet.
- Lower-income households (≤£20,000) experienced poorer dietary adherence compared to those in higher-income groups.
You can support the petition to protect NHS prescription access for people with coeliac disease here: Act Now: Protect NHS Prescription Support