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NI to have eating disorder unit | NI to have eating disorder unit |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Northern Ireland will have its own eating disorder unit in 2010, the health minister has said. | Northern Ireland will have its own eating disorder unit in 2010, the health minister has said. |
"I will be investing in an eating disorder unit," said Mr McGimpsey. | "I will be investing in an eating disorder unit," said Mr McGimpsey. |
"It will either be a concentrated one of five beds in one location in Belfast, or it will be five eating disorder beds, one in each trust area." | "It will either be a concentrated one of five beds in one location in Belfast, or it will be five eating disorder beds, one in each trust area." |
Last year 41 people from NI were sent to six eating disorder units across the UK. This cost the Department of Health in NI more than £3m. | Last year 41 people from NI were sent to six eating disorder units across the UK. This cost the Department of Health in NI more than £3m. |
The minister said he recognised the need for eating disorder patients to receive in-patient care closer to home. | The minister said he recognised the need for eating disorder patients to receive in-patient care closer to home. |
Jackie King from the Eating Disorder Association in Northern Ireland welcomed the news that the minister had committed to providing a unit for sufferers. | |
"Five beds isn't a lot for Northern Ireland," she said. | |
"My view on it would be it has to be a central unit. We can't have beds scattered across the province because it just wouldn't work. There has to be a continuity of care. | |
"However, it is the first time the minister has actually said anything concrete, so it is good news." |