Care UK eating disorder service featured on BBC TV

Company news

Aug 01, 2012

Care UK’s eating disorder service was featured on yesterday’s  (31^st July) Newsnight programme on BBC 2 as part of a special report on eating disorders.

The report looked at new research from eating disorder charity Beat which suggests that diseases like anorexia are costing the English economy over £1.26 billion pounds.  It also talked about how growing pressure on NHS resources means that some young people are not accessing specialist eating disorder services quickly enough.

Care UK’s eating disorder service in Gloucestershire was featured in the report with home manager Julie Martell talking about the support that  is offered to clients around mealtimes. The excellent academic results achieved by the centre’s on-site school were also mentioned.

Martin Davies, who leads Care UK’s eating disorder service, was interviewed as part of the Newsnight package. Martin spoke about what he calls ‘the revolving door syndrome’ where people living with eating disorders are offered  treatment in hospitals  which helps them regain weight but does not address the underlying mental health issues.  Once back home the patients find that their eating disorder takes over again and the weight is lost. 

Care UK’s services specialise in a holistic treatment programme which address physical, psychological and social needs  of people who have lived with an eating disorder for a number of years.  The treatment places a great emphasis on developing real life experiences such as hobbies, friendships and education which help clients to start living  their life and not the disorder.

Speaking after watching the programme, Martin Davies said: “We were pleased to help the BBC to highlight what a serious and devastating illness eating disorders can be. I am constantly shocked by the number of people who come to us after years of this revolving door treatment which only addresses the issue of gaining weight, not the underlying mental health condition.  Getting the right service at the right time represents an investment – not just for the NHS but also for the people living with an eating disorder and their families.”

For more information please visit Care UK’s eating disorder service website