Eating disorder unit plan a first

The unit to tackle eating disorders would be based in Aberdeen

Scotland's first NHS unit dedicated to helping adults with an eating disorder has been proposed.

Funding is to be sought from NHS Highland, Grampian and Tayside for the in-patient service earmarked for Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.

The cost to the boards of accessing such care in the private sector have been rising - reaching £6.4m in last three years.

A total of £437,000 would be needed to upgrade a ward and buy equipment.

The unit would offer support to people from the three NHS regions and also Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

Cost share

The plan is outlined in a report to Highland NHS Board, which meets in Inverness next Tuesday.

The board will be asked to approve potential funding in 2008/09 and proposals for sharing the cost of the unit.

Members will also be asked to agree to the development of an intermediate/outreach service to support improved patient care.

According to the report, there are currently no NHS in-patient facilities for adults with an eating disorder in Scotland.