Press Release Monday 30 June 2014
Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central today met with NHS England and Government Health Minister, Norman Lamb to press for eating disorder beds in the Richardson Unit of the RVI to be kept open for local patients.
Chi said:
“ I was pleased that the minister voiced his opposition to people being sent around the country for no good clinical reasons.
“ NHS England has now promised that they will talk to the Hospital Trusts involved to discuss how a more joined up eating disorder service can be provided for patient in the North East. But I want assurances this means keeping at least some of the Richardson Unit beds at the RVI.
Ms Onwurah is work closely with the NEEDAG, the North East Eating Disorders Action Group and the charity NIWE to retain inpatient capability within Newcastle.
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Notes for Editors
1) The term Eating Disorders refers to a range of conditions including though not limited to anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. They affect 1.6 million people in the UK, over 90% of whom are women, although increasing numbers of men are being affected.
2) The threatened unit, The Richardson Eating Disorder Service operated by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (NTW) NHS Foundation Trust. In the centre of the city with excellent travel links it is acknowledged to be an outstanding specialised eating disorder unit, rated excellent by both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Care Quality Commission and has just won BEAT’s Clinical Team of the Year award. A stable, vastly experienced staff have been treating adult in and out patients since 1997. And it has saved many lives.