The HNIA was commissioned to understand the level of need across the region to inform commissioning intentions and strategic priorities for the PC.
As well as looking at projected demand for adult eating disorder services, which are a hybrid of inpatient and community-based alternatives across the region, the assessment was designed to identify inequalities in service provision and access to services to ensure services were equitable and representative of the local populations the PC serves.
A multi-agency steering group, represented by the local authorities, ICBs, providers of services and PC partners, was convened to oversee the HNIA. This was carried out by Ottaway Strategic Management Ltd, between April 2024 and October 2024, through data analysis and interviews with staff, young people and families.
Key findings
The HNIA identified a large prevalence of eating disorders across Kent and Sussex and the need for early intervention for patients to prevent hospital admissions. The HNIA found that women under the age of 25 are more likely to need to be admitted to hospital for an eating disorder.
The report also identified a clear need for specialist services to support people with more complex needs, including those with neurodiversity. It was also reported that patients would prefer more psychosocial interventions when in hospital to support their mental health, as well as supporting their physical weight gain.
Key recommendations
- Create more adaptive services across community and acute settings to support patients who might have higher complexities or co-morbidities.
- Work with colleagues across the system, in particular primary and secondary care, to develop awareness of disordered eating and eating disorders.
- Develop alternative provision for acute eating disorder services, including intensive home treatment, day services and step-up and step-down care across the region.
- Ensure system partners, including ICB and local authorities, work together to develop solutions to fill current gaps in service provision to facilitate the best outcomes for patients.
Read the HNIA in full.
If you would like to get involved in shaping the strategy for the PC, please email nina.