New eating disorder day service for young people in Hampshire launched by Southern Health NHS Foundation

A NEW eating disorder day service for young people in Hampshire has been officially launched by Southern Health NHS Foundation.

It offers a nine-week programme to patients and is the first of its kind in the county to be run jointly by family therapy and nursing.

The service, at Leigh House in Winchester, includes a refurbished adolescent inpatient 10-bed ward for patients needing a higher level of care. One of the youngsters who has benefited from the service cut a ribbon to officially declare it open.

She said: ’I found coming to the day service challenging initially and it has been a hard journey. I have been greatly supported by the friendly staff.

“The day service has really helped me to think in a different way about anorexia and help me challenge thoughts that feel wrong. I feel more positive about my future recovery.’’

Karen Dixon, associate director of mental health for Children and Adolescent Mental health (CAMHS) Southern Health said: “It’s been a huge undertaking developing the new day service and encouraging young people to have treatment where they go home at night, moving away from inpatient care where we can and supporting as many young people in the community as best we can.”

Sarah Cole, eating disorder day programme clinical lead, said: "We have a wide range of specialist support available to the young people and their families ranging from dieticians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, teachers, family therapists, occupational therapists and creative therapy sessions giving them a way to express themselves through drama, story-making, music and art.”

Louise Doughty, programme director of Hampshire, Sussex, Kent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services provider collaborative who commission the service added: “There has been an increase in the need for treatment of eating disorders in young people.”