People affected by an eating disorder can expect higher and
more consistent standards of care following the roll-out of new
national guidance for services.
The publication of a national specification will support both the
NHS and local services to deliver person-centred, safe and
effective care. The new guidance was developed by a working group
of experts with academic and clinical practice experience,
alongside people affected and their families.
The blueprint aims to ensure that everyone has access to a
high-quality standard of service regardless of what stage they
are in their recovery and is for care across all stages of
treatment, from primary care to specialist inpatient care.
Mental Wellbeing Minister said:
“We want to create a more supportive, accessible, and effective
care system for everyone affected by eating disorders.
“This new guidance is another step on the way to delivering the
recommendations from the National Review of Eating Disorder
Services and I am grateful to all those involved in putting it
together.
“The full implementation of this specification has been a
long-term goal but by working alongside
clinicians, patients and their families, we aim to
build a brighter, healthier future for everyone affected by
eating disorders in Scotland.”
Chair of the National Eating Disorder Network Professor Cathy
Richards said:
“I'm delighted that the national specification has now been
published and want to recognise the hard work of all who have
been involved in its development. It is a privilege to work with
such a committed group of stakeholders.
"I want to recognise the dedication of those delivering vital
care and treatment amidst real and pressing challenges. I look
forward to working with everyone involved to develop local,
regional and national improvements to ensure the new national
standards are delivered consistently to benefit all those
affected by eating disorders.”
Co-Chair of the National Eating Disorder Specification Working
Group, Lived Experienced Peer Researcher, Ellen Maloney said:
“The launch of new national guidance is important to make sure
that everyone in Scotland who experiences an eating disorder can
access the right help at the right time. I hope these standards
will make a real difference for people with eating disorders,
providing the care and support they need.”
Background
The National Eating Disorder
Specification will sit alongside and complement the Core Mental Health
Standards, published last year, which support services to
provide high-quality person-centred care.
The National Review of
Eating Disorder Services was commissioned by the Scottish
Government in 2020 and the Review published its final report and
recommendations in March 2021.
This year the Scottish Government allocated £120 million to NHS
Boards via the Mental Health Outcomes Framework to support
continued improvements across a range of mental health services
and treatments, including eating disorder services.
