State-of-the-art eating disorders unit for Dorset gets the green light

Inpatient care places for local people struggling with an eating disorder are set to increase, thanks to a state-of-the-art unit planned for Poole.

The new two-storey unit, at St. Ann’s Hospital near Sandbanks, is one step closer to being built after Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council approved Dorset HealthCare’s planning application.

Six inpatients can currently be cared for by the specialist team based at St Ann’s, but the new building will be able to accommodate ten.

Dr Ciarán Newell, Consultant Nurse for eating disorders at the Trust, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that the work can now start. An increase in capacity of our eating disorders unit is necessary to reduce wait times and provide specialised care for residents in the county.

“The current capacity of six beds doesn’t meet the demand and, as a result, some patients go to other specialist units out of area for treatment. We are very pleased that now local people will be able to get the care they need and still be close to their friends and family, which can aid their recovery.”

Eugine Yafele, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said:

“It’s unacceptable that local people might be sent for specialist care miles out of the area, and this new development will hopefully stop that happening.

“I am extremely grateful to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council planners for recognising the importance of this development. It will allow us to provide first class care for more people in their local area.”

The plans give careful consideration to the impact the new development will have on the current site, environment and neighbouring properties.

Dorset HealthCare will fund the development at a cost of around £8m, with work due to start late autumn.