Minister for Care and Mental Health Gillian Keegan MP visited the Eating Disorders Day Unit at Springfield Hospital in Tooting on Monday 28 February to launch Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which this year takes place from 28 February – 6 March.
Gillian met and spoke to staff about the specialist support and treatment the day unit and outpatient community team provides to people living with eating disorders in south west London. Gillian was joined by Ann Beasley, Trust Chair, Sharon Spain, Director of Nursing, Dr Ewa Zadeh, Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders and Natalie Stevens, Day Unit Manager.
The Eating Disorders Day Unit is an outpatient day service which cares for people with a range of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating. Patients who are referred to the unit first receive an assessment of their mental health needs and a plan of the care and support they will receive. This usually includes a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as practical advice to help patients manage their health and wellbeing while they are recovering at home.
Dr Ewa Zadeh, Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders, said: “It was a pleasure to show Gillian around the unit and introduce her to staff and service users. We are really proud of the specialist care we provide here and the important work our service is doing to expand and improve community mental health care so adults with an eating disorder can get earlier access to the best care as close to home as possible.”
The service is currently focused on building more support in the community as part of the Trust’s plans to improve and widen access to care for those needing mental health support, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan. By developing services in the community, including talking therapies and mental health liaison teams, it will be easier and quicker for people to access the care they need.
