Dozens of young people treated for eating disorders in Sheffield during pandemic UK News

The NHS director of mental health said the health service had recorded “higher numbers than ever before” as figures show a sharp national increase in the number of young people being treated for life-threatening conditions like anorexia and bulimia.

NHS England data shows 41 children and young people started treatment for eating disorders at the Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust between July 2020 and June 2021.

That was up from the 30 in the same period a year earlier and the 31 seen in 2018-19, before the pandemic hit.

Of the patients who started treatment last year, 13 had been urgently referred, compared to four the previous year and five in 2018-19.

NHS rules say 95% of urgent cases must start treatment within a week, while regularly referred patients must be seen within four weeks.

Tom Quinn, of the Beat charity, said the pandemic had had a “massive impact” on people with eating disorders and their loved ones.

He said anxiety, isolation and lack of support contributed to first-time disorder or relapse, adding: recovery.

“Everyone with an eating disorder should be able to access high quality treatment in their area as quickly as possible.

“More children and young people with eating disorders are being treated by the NHS than ever before, but demand is growing at an even faster rate, and it is of particular concern to see an increase in urgent referrals. “

NHS England director of mental health Claire Murdoch said the pandemic had wreaked havoc on the country’s mental health, but staff responded quickly to treat young people with eating disorders, with the ‘help with additional government funding and the deployment of dedicated services across England.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs said eating disorders could have a devastating impact on people with the disease and their families, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that young people with need help get it.