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Eating Disorders: Mental Health Services

Answer

NHS England is supporting continuity of care for people with eating disorders by setting a community‑based, pathway‑led service model that spans primary care, community mental health services, specialist eating disorder teams and, where clinically necessary, inpatient care. The Adult Eating Disorders: Community, Inpatient and Intensive Day Patient Care – Guidance for commissioners and providers (2019) emphasises integrated pathways and continuity as people move between services, rather than stand‑alone episodes of treatment. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/adult-eating-disorders-community-inpatient-and-intensive-day-patient-care-guidance-for-commissioners-and-providers/

In January 2026, NHS England published long-awaited updated commissioning guidance for children and young people eating disorder services. The guidance takes a whole-pathway approach, prioritising community-based care, earlier identification and intervention, and better integration with schools, colleges, and primary care. Integrated care boards are responsible for assessing local need and commissioning appropriate community and outpatient provision for their populations.

In addition, the Severe Mental Illness Modern Service Framework aims to set expectations for how local systems organise, prioritise and deliver joined‑up, high-quality care for people with a severe mental illness, including people with eating disorders.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

328

Session

2026-27

Subjects

Mental health services Eating disorders

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk