Imagine waiting nearly two years for life-saving treatment. That's the grim reality for some adults in England battling eating disorders, according to a shocking new report. But here's where it gets even more alarming: the disparity in care between children and adults is widening, leaving many vulnerable individuals in a dangerous limbo.
The National Audit of Eating Disorders (NAED) has shed light on a crisis in the healthcare system. Commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership and funded by NHS England, this groundbreaking audit reveals that adults with eating disorders are waiting up to 700 days for treatment—a staggering contrast to the shorter waits experienced by children.
Here’s the breakdown: while there are 93 community teams and 54 inpatient teams dedicated to children and young people, adults only have access to 69 community teams and 33 inpatient teams. This imbalance translates into longer waits: adults wait twice as long as children for assessments and a jaw-dropping 10 times longer for treatment. And this is the part most people miss: some individuals are left waiting over a year and a half for the help they desperately need.
The charity Beat has called this growing gap in services “particularly worrying.” Tom Quinn, their director of external affairs, emphasizes that while community care staff are doing their best, many patients are still being told there’s no local support available—a devastating blow for those who’ve mustered the courage to seek help.
The audit also highlights a “postcode lottery” for certain eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder), and night eating syndrome. Depending on where you live, access to specialized care can vary wildly, leaving some individuals without adequate support.
But here’s the controversial part: Is it fair that children receive significantly faster and more consistent care than adults? Shouldn’t the healthcare system prioritize equity across all age groups, especially when lives are at stake?
An NHS England spokesperson acknowledged the issue, noting that while children are generally seen within two weeks, they’re committed to improving access for all ages. They’ve established at least one specialist eating disorder service in every local health system and plan to use the report’s findings to reduce waiting times.
However, the question remains: is this enough? With 3,855 people waiting for assessments and 4,537 waiting for treatment, the system is clearly under strain. Over 70% of community teams cite “demand exceeding capacity” as the primary reason for delays.
Quinn stresses the importance of early intervention, noting that living at home while receiving intensive community care often leads to better outcomes. Beat is calling for expanded access to these services, ensuring everyone can receive the support they need close to home.
What do you think? Is the current system failing adults with eating disorders? How can we bridge the gap between child and adult services? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to happen.
