New worries that children in Kent won't be able to get vital eating disorder services due to cuts
As referrals for eating disorders rise, the Royal College of Psychiatrists suggests that more children with eating disorders could reach a crisis point due to funding cuts
Analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists is highlighting particular concerns about early access to treatment for eating disorders in young people, saying that funding cuts could lead to a decline in important early interventions.
The College explained any with an eating disorder can be treated effectively if seen early enough,
Dr Ashish Kumar, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Eating Disorders Faculty, said: "Eating disorders, in particular anorexia nervosa, have high rates of mortality, yet are treatable conditions and with the right care and support in a timely manner most patients can make a full recovery.
An estimated 24 out of 42 local health organisations across England have planned changes that could result in cuts equating to almost £835,000.
Michelle Hodgkiss, a psychotherapist who works for therapy partners in Kent, told us how the cuts are worrying to those who may need support in the future,
"I think the spending cuts could have a huge impact in terms of the services reaching those who are in need of support. So I guess we're talking from the very start at diagnostics- finding out that a child is experiencing some eating disorder symptoms all the way to going to the GP, so from the very beginning, right through to the end of treatment..."
"I think spending cuts potentially could have quite a detrimental effect on children."
Michelle goes on to explain that despite cuts, she hopes that the money is re-purposed elsewhere to help those already with a diagnosis;
"On the more hopeful side of things, we hope that if the spending cuts are happening with eating disorder services, that there will be other services that can come alongside and support as well."
"For example, if you want to go directly to the family therapist or a play therapist who support children, it may not be particularly about the eating disorder, but treatment can be offered that may allow the eating disorder to be seen to, if not directly."
On reflection of this, an NHS England spokesperson said: "The NHS is clear that improving care for people with eating disorders is vital, with investment, targeted support and training helping to develop community eating disorder teams in all areas in England. "