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Published: 3 September, 2010
by TOM FOOT

BINGE eaters, bulimics and anorexics in Islington could be forced to travel to a hospital in Tottenham for treatment under cost-cutting proposals.

Health bosses want to shut down the Russell Unit Eating Disorder Service in King’s Cross Road and open a centralised “hub” in St Ann’s Hospital.

Experts say the changes are needed because of rising demand from complex cases in Camden and Islington.

Consultant specialist Dr Eric Johnson-Sabine added: “By moving the Russell Unit to a centralised hub, patients will have greater access to all treatment options and to the safest, most appropriate treatment for them.”

The unit currently works with around 150 children and adults with anorexia, bulimia and various eating disorders.

Demand for inpatient treatment for complex versions of disorders at the centre has shot up this year.

There will be more overnight beds in the St Ann’s Centre and more “outreach services” may be made available, health bosses said.

A consultation on the proposal runs until the end of November. For more details visit www.beh-mht.nhs.uk or phone 020 8442 6598.