North East adult eating disorder ward relocated temporarily amid closure fears
The region’s only adult eating disorder ward has been relocated while plans to permanently close the service are reviewed.
In January, it was announced that the Richardson Eating Disorder Service at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle would close its doors this summer.
The ward serves patients from Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. In the result of a closure, the next nearest ward would be as far as West Park Hospital in Darlington
It has now been announced that the service will temporarily relocate to St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth whilst a wider review of adult eating disorder services takes place.
A spokesperson for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust said: “Following notice from Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to vacate Ward 31A, the service has relocated to Gibside at St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth.
“The move supports continuity of care and staff expertise while maintaining local inpatient provision. This is an interim measure while a wider review of adult eating disorder services takes place.
The trust previously said that the ward was closing because the hospital needed to expand emergency care facilities.
They added: “Work is underway to develop and consider longer-term options for the service following a period of engagement with patients, carers, staff, partner organisations and other stakeholders.”