South East Scotland Regional Eating Disorders Unit - New facility opens at St John’s Hospital

The £500,000 adult unit will be used by patients from NHS Lothian, NHS Borders, NHS Fife and NHS Forth Valley and will be managed by West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership.

The Unit offers 12 bedrooms with en-suite facilities, a therapeutic kitchen and dining spaces, group work areas, sitting areas and a quiet room as well as interview and office accommodation.

Theresa Douglas, Chair, West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership, said: "The new Unit will offer first class facilities for people living with an eating disorder in the South East of Scotland and is a great example of what can be achieved when people work together.

"The Unit will be staffed by a specialist team of medics, nurses, psychologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers, support workers and admin and clerical staff.

"Offering a therapeutic, safe and creative environment the new unit will be a much welcomed addition to the range of treatment services provided for men and women across the four South East Scotland regions."

Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, said: "This unit, and the much broader supporting services, is a fantastic example of partnership working, and I would like to thank all of the staff from each of the partner NHS Boards for their commitment and hard work in making this unit a reality.

"Having an eating disorder can be a severe and complex condition to address and we must do what we can to ensure those people access the help and support they need.

"This unit will provide improved access to specialist care, treatment and support for service users experiencing the most severe forms of eating disorder, their carers and families across South East Scotland."

Professor Anthony Pelosi, Consultant Psychiatrist, South East Scotland Regional Eating Disorders Unit, added: "The new unit will be a valuable addition to the excellent range of treatment services already available in the community.

"Our specialist staff will work closely with patients on practical, emotional and interpersonal skills, alongside psychiatric and weight stabilisation aiding progress towards recovery."

Ellen Glass, Executive Councillor for Health and Care, said: "West Lothian Council warmly welcomes this new centre of excellence for eating disorders.

"It is also fantastic recognition for the successful and
ground-breaking West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership."