Kimmeridge ward, based at St Ann’s Hospital in Poole, is a modern, purpose-built space with first-class facilities to treat patients with eating disorders.

The ward can accommodate 10 inpatients.

Also offered is a four-place day programme, which offers an alternative to admission and supports transition from hospital back to the community. This ensures people with eating disorders receive the treatment and support they need at the earliest possible stage is vital in helping them overcome their condition.

Eating disorders have been increasing over the past 50 years across the UK and worldwide. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence advises that an eating disorder can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, cultural, religious or social background and at any age, although they most commonly start in young people aged 13 to 17 years.

Disturbed attitudes towards weight, body shape, and eating play a key role in the origin and maintenance of eating disorders. Eating disorders can considerably impair physical health and disrupt psychosocial functioning; they can be a severe mental illness and life threatening. However, people with an eating disorder can and do recover, recovery is different for each person and will often take time.