NHS England has published new guidance on eating disorder services for children and young people. It has been written for NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and providers of eating disorder services. It sets out how to design services that can ensure early, evidence-based and integrated support and treatment for all children, young people, and their families and carers.
Tom Quinn, Beat’s Director of External Affairs said:
“Demand for eating disorder services has risen steeply since the pandemic and we know that access to these services can vary widely depending on location. The publication of this new guidance is an encouraging step in the right direction, helping to ensure equitable access to eating disorder treatment across the country.
“We worked closely with NHSE during the drafting process and will do all we can to support its implementation. We’re pleased by the focus upon issues we’ve long been campaigning on, including early intervention, addressing inequalities in care, access to intensive community and day treatment options, and support for families and carers. It’s particularly positive that ARFID has been included – now, it’s crucial that all NHS Integrated Care Boards respond by developing a dedicated and evidence-based care pathway.
“Moving forward, the Government must not allow this guidance to be left in limbo and ensure it is implemented promptly. We need the right staffing for this to work, and so recruiting – and keeping – staff should be a key priority. It's imperative that funds are made available nationally and locally to deliver on this ambitious guidance and begin to tackle the growing crisis in eating disorder services.”