NHS trust faces legal action over plan to close eating disorders centre

A health trust faces legal action over plans to close an eating disorders centre at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, it has been reported.

Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust intends to close the in-patient Richardson Eating Disorder Service, replacing it with a day unit at the city’s Walkergate hospital later this year.

According to the Evening Chronicle, two patients being treated by the service are taking action against both the trust and NHS England, which commissions inpatient eating disorder services.

Their solicitor Simon Garlick, of law firm Ben Hoare Bell solicitors, claimed that both have acted unlawfully by failing to consult those affected.