New eating disorder clinic opens in Poole
It'll mean people can have treatment closer to home
A new state-of-the-art £8 million unit to support people in Dorset with eating disorders has opened in Poole.
The county's Eating Disorders Service has seen a year-on-year increase in demand, with an exceptional surge in demand experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six patients could previously be cared for by a specialist inpatient team based at St Ann’s Hospital, but the new two-storey building can accommodate ten – reducing the need for out-of-area admissions.
The new building will also house the four-place day programme, which offers an alternative to admission and supports transition from hospital back to the community.
The referral rate to the service in 2021/22 increased by 53% compared to the previous year.
Referrals have risen mostly among children and young people, with an increase of 76% over the past three years.
Eating Disorders Service Manager, Karen Law said:
“Increasing our capacity from six to ten beds will make a real difference. It means a person who requires admission can be admitted earlier and close to home. This in turn makes it much easier for family and friends to stay in close contact and support the person through their admission and their transition home.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide this vital service in a new, modern, purpose-built space with first-class facilities. Everyone involved has worked very hard to create a therapeutic space. The colour scheme and furniture has been chosen by people who have had an admission or attended day programme together with the team.”
Eman Shweikh, the Trust’s Clinical Director for Mental Health, added:
“We are thrilled the new eating disorders unit is complete. Being able to increase capacity and reduce wait times will mean we can provide treatment for those in need much more quickly, greatly improving a person’s chances of making a full recovery."