Eating disorders on the rise in Dudley (From Stourbridge News)

Eating disorders on the rise in Dudley

2:00pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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EATING disorders are on the up across the borough and there is a shortfall in NHS care in Stourbridge.

The Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Trust outlined the problem in its draft version of the 2010 - 2015 Clinical and Social Care Strategic Vision document.

The Trust estimates 10,000 people could have an eating disorder across the two boroughs but the NHS provision is the worst in the region.

The report stated: “Within the Black Country our Trust is the least well resourced at effectively one clinician per 5,031 people with a eating disorder.

“The service does not have the capacity to offer clients access to psychological therapies, other than interventions based on CBT, or have the capacity to fulfil clinical, outreach and liaison functions.

“The advantage of such a capacity is to minimize the requirement for day and inpatient care.”

A 2008 report into the problem recommended a dedicated psychiatrist specialising in eating disorders should be hired.

And due to the sheer amount of referrals and demands on the service the Trust has reduced the number of patients they can help.

“Initially set up to take referrals from 14-years upwards, the team can only offer a service to adults (16+ in Dudley) due to the high referral rates and demands on the service.”

The report also said people with eating disorders are falling through the cracks in the system and are not even being diagnosed with conditions, some of which like anorexia can kill.

The report added: “It is anticipated the incidence of eating disorders may be seen to rise as it is estimated that currently only nine per cent of eating disorders are diagnosed and receiving appropriate treatment.

“Current arrangements have been unsatisfactory for some time with issues such as difficulty accessing beds being a major factor and clients often end up being treated by the private sector.”

Wendy Pugh, Director of Operations and Nursing from Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Trust, explained the Trust is liaising with local Primary Care Trusts concerning the issue.

She said: “Any service development which will enhance the care and experience of patients will always be welcomed by our Trust.

“We are working closely with both Dudley and Walsall Primary Care Trust’s to ensure a high quality and sustainable Eating Disorder Service is offered for the people of Dudley and Walsall which meets the needs of our communities, providing treatment closer to home and supports people in their recovery.”

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