People with eating disorders in Dorset will now be treated at a new state-of-the-art £8 million development in Poole.

Dorset’s All Age Eating Disorders Service has recently seen a surge in demand and while six patients could previously be cared for by the specialist inpatient team based at St Ann’s Hospital, the new two-storey building can accommodate 10 – reducing the need for out-of-area admissions.

The new building will also house the four-place day programme, which offers an alternative to admission and supports transition from hospital back to the community.

The referral rate to the service in 2021/22 increased by 53 per cent compared to the previous year. Referrals have risen mostly among children and young people, with an increase of 76 per cent over the past three years.

Eating Disorders Service manager, Karen Law said: “Increasing our capacity from six to ten beds will make a real difference. It means a person who requires admission can be admitted earlier and close to home. This in turn makes it much easier for family and friends to stay in close contact and support the person through their admission and their transition home.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide this vital service in a new, modern, purpose-built space with first-class facilities. Everyone involved has worked very hard to create a therapeutic space. The colour scheme and furniture has been chosen by people who have had an admission or attended day programme together with the team.”

Representatives from the Trust were joined at the ribbon-cutting opening ceremony by staff, developers Kier Construction, Medical Architecture and Gleeds Management Services.

Eman Shweikh, the Trust’s clinical director for Mental Health, said: “Being able to increase capacity and reduce wait times will mean we can provide treatment for those in need much more quickly, greatly improving a person’s chances of making a full recovery.”

Designed to help people, and their families/carers, overcome a range of eating disorders, the Dorset All Age Eating Disorders Service supports people of all ages. Referrals can be made by a GP, by health, social care and education professionals. Self-referral and parental referral are also accepted.

For more information about the Dorset All Age Eating Disorders Service visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/eatingdisorders or call 0300 019 1771.

Nationally, eating disorders charity BEAT can be contacted via its helpline on 0808 8010677 or visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk for more information, support and resources.