If local areas have already made gluten free changes these should continue as implemented until the outcome of the national consultation is known – and if any further changes are needed they are done so as a result of the national consultation
If local areas have not yet carried out engagement or consultation on gluten free then the national process would take precedence – and the national consultation should be supported and promoted regionally and locally – and the outcome of the national consultation implemented when known.
If local areas are about to make changes, they should critically review what consultation or engagement they carried out and weigh up the risks of what they are intending to implement and recognise that a national consultation may result in a different outcome. The risks are, that if it has not been a wide consultation or if the changes to be made are likely to be more restrictive than those proposed in the national consultation options, there may be challenge from stakeholders and interest groups. Consideration should be given to pausing to wait for the outcome of the national consultation and supporting the national consultation regionally and locally.
NHS North of England Commissioning Support Unit (tCI members)
