St Andrew’s Healthcare offers a specialist service for those suffering with acute eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and other atypical eating disorders including those with dual diagnosis. The service has been established for many years on the campus in Northampton and is nationally recognised for the success of its work.
The expert team has demonstrated its ability to help many people including accommodating those who have been rejected by other specialist units or who have been resistant to treatment in the past. The facility has also shown that it can achieve successful outcomes even with those who have a very low Body Mass Index, requiring assisted feeding or with
concurrent physical problems.
A safe and supportive environment and an intensive programme of multi-disciplinary care with 24 hour nursing and medical care are provided by the service. The treatment regime combines intensive therapy, nutrition education and regular food intake to achieve successful outcomes for service users.
The service is monitored by the Healthcare Commission, receiving positive reports, and follows national standards for clinical practice including, most importantly, the NICE guidelines.
Criteria of Acceptance
The Eating Disorder Service admits males and females aged 14yrs +, referred privately or through the NHS, including those referred under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act.
Therapeutic Approach
All service users receive a full evaluation of their medical status and an assessment of their psychological and emotional needs by our consultant psychiatrist and clinical specialist.
Eating disorders develop due to a complex mix of factors and this is recognised in the treatment approach for each individual. The treatment regime takes a holistic approach and is aimed at restoring physical, social and psychological well-being. Alongside restoring regular eating, which may initially require nasogastric tube feeding, the treatment regime utilises a variety of cognitive behaviour therapy and psychotherapy strategies working with service users individually and in groups. The approach also includes education concerning important aspects of nutrition.
The skilled multi-disciplinary team offers continuing support and constantly reviews service user needs. If necessary, new elements are added to the planned treatment programme as required to achieve the desired outcome for each individual.
Where appropriate, we involve families and carers in the therapy process and offer family therapy according to clinical need.
Treatment Outcomes and Aftercare
Preparing for the return home begins at admission. Regular reports on progress are provided to the referring authority and prior to discharge emphasis is placed on relapse prevention.
In-patients typically stay with the service for a period of between six to
nine months and the majority are capable of managing their weight successfully when they are discharged. Some service users receive continuing out-patient support at St Andrew’s.
A detailed discharge summary is produced in close liaison with health/community professionals and contact continues to monitor progress.
Facilities
We currently have 13 en suite bedrooms for in-patients in a specialist facility located in acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds. Access is provided to a comprehensive range of recreational facilities including a library, educational services, an arts and craft activity centre, heated swimming pool and an on-site hairdresser.
Communicating with us
Referrals are made to us via the Admissions Officer, to a named Consultant Psychiatrist. We will acknowledge referrals within 48 hours of receipt.
General Enquiries
For further information on referring to this service, please call our freephone enquiries line on 0800 434 6690 or email enquiries@standrew.co.uk
For more information on the clinical service, please call 01604 616047 or 01604 616048.
To download the brochure on our Eating Disorders Service, please click here
