Response to Children’s Commissioner findings – Eating disorder waits a real worry

In response to analysis by the Children’s Commissioner for England about an increase in eating disorders among young people, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"It’s a real worry that so many children and young people are having to wait for treatment for eating disorders.

“With more than 1.8million people on the waiting list for overstretched and understaffed mental health services, trusts are deeply concerned about levels of unmet need, particularly for children and young people.

"The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in many children and young people coming forward later with more complex symptoms which are often harder, and take longer, to treat.

"We need significant, long-term investment in and support for prevention and early intervention services to help children and young people sooner and to tackle the pressure of growing demand on the NHS, as well as more beds and safe, therapeutic environments to provide care for those who need it.”