Newbridge nurse consultant Rachel Matthews interviewed by Sky News on new children’s eating disorder figures

1 Aug 2011

Rachel Matthews of Newbridge House was invited to do an interview by Sky News on new figures showing children as young as five have been treated in hospital for anorexia.

Rachel was commenting on new figures released in August 2011 by the NHS. They show a total of 98 youngsters aged between five and seven have been admitted to hospital during the last three years because of eating disorders.

A further 99 aged eight and nine were admitted over the same period, as were almost 400 aged between ten and 12, and 1,500 between 13 and 15.

Rachel told Sky News that the figures were of great concern, but not surprising as Newbridge sees young people aged 11 and above who require treatment.

She emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Rachel is leading important outreach work, speaking at schools and at health events to help raise awareness of eating disorders and advise on where to go for help.

Newbridge House is happy to work with the media on requests for expert comments on reports which have a clear benefit in terms of raising eating disorders awareness.