Most areas in England are planning significant reductions to specialist eating-disorder services for children and young people this year. In an alarming development, 24 out of the 42 NHS integrated care boards are slated to cut spending for under-18s in the fiscal year 2024-25. This decision comes as referrals to these services increased by 13% last year, highlighting a growing demand for support.
Despite an overall spending increase of 2.9% on eating-disorder services for the coming year, the cuts specifically targeting young individuals raise significant concerns. By the end of 2024, more than 6,000 under-18s were on waiting lists, prompting the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) to ration care to those most severely affected due to persistent underfunding.
Tom Quinn of the eating disorder charity Beat expressed deep concern over the potential impact of these funding cuts.
"We are extremely concerned at the prospect of funding cuts to children and young people's eating-disorder services." – Tom Quinn
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Eating Disorders echoed these sentiments, warning that "woefully inadequate care" results in lost lives and devastated families.
Eating disorders, particularly anorexia, are known for their high mortality rates, yet they remain treatable conditions. Veronika, a 20-year-old who has battled an eating disorder for five years, provides a personal testament to the rapid escalation of these conditions if not adequately addressed. Her experience underscores the urgent need for robust and immediate intervention.
Dr. Ashish Kumar from the RCP emphasized the necessity for increased funding to meet the growing demand for eating-disorder services.
"Eating disorders, in particular anorexia, have high rates of mortality yet are treatable conditions." – Dr Ashish Kumar
Despite these pressing challenges, NHS England maintains that improving care for eating disorders is "vital." Efforts are being made to enhance community support for young people before their conditions reach crisis points.
However, Quinn warns about the precarious state of these essential services.
"These vital services are already on their knees." – Tom Quinn
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