Eating disorder admissions rise in Leeds

The number of admissions among people with conditions including anorexia and bulimia rose from around 177 between 2015-16 and 2016-17.

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But figures released by NHS Digital show that admissions in the city have not risen at the same rate as the national figure, which almost doubled over six years.

Leeds NHS bosses said an outreach programme launched in 2012 had reduced the need for admission and the length of time spent in hospital among people with eating disorders. A spokesperson for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Leeds Outreach Service aims to manage the complex needs of people with severe eating disorders in the community as an alternative to being in hospital by offering earlier intervention and an intensive home treatment programme.

“It’s been a great success and the service has consistently shown that it improves the quality of life and experiences of patients, and reduces the need for admission to hospital. Figures show there has been a 30-40 per cent reduction in the number of hospital bed days per year for Leeds eating disorders patients.

“Plans to expand this community service across West Yorkshire and Harrogate are currently being developed.”

Admissions at hospitals in England increased from 7,260 in 2010-11 to 13,885 in the year up to April 2017.

The Yorkshire and Humber figure also rose, from around 800 six years ago to 1,230 in 2016-17.

The Government said was aiming to provide treatment within one week for 95 per cent of children and young people referred for urgent cases of an eating disorder by 2020.