Eating disorder service rolled out across Bristol

Dr Dominique Thompson, Director of the Students’ Health Service, and Will Devlin, the AWP clinical psychologist leading on the new service

Press release issued: 19 July 2013

A pilot project to support people with eating disorders, run at the University of Bristol, has proved such a success that it’s being rolled out across the city. First Step was officially launched today [19 July] and is believed to be the first service of its kind in the country, offering patients more immediate treatment in GP surgeries.

First Step was officially launched today [19 July] and is believed to be the first service of its kind in the country, offering patients more immediate treatment in GP surgeries.

It will be run in partnership with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust’s (AWP) and the University of Bristol Students’ Health Service. First Step is now open to anyone aged over 18 and registered with a Bristol-based GP.

It’s in response to a rising demand for eating disorder services, with the South West seeing a greater rise than anywhere else in the country. Referrals to AWP’s own Specialist Eating Disorder Service (STEPS) have increased by around 50 per cent since 2006.

A successful pilot project in 2009/10, run at the University of Bristol Students’ Health Service based at Hampton House, saw a 44 per cent reduction in referrals to STEPS from the practice.

The principle behind the service is to treat people effectively in primary care before their condition requires specialist help, acting as a gateway to the Trust’s eating disorders care pathway. It delivers evidence-based treatments such as enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in all GP surgeries across Bristol, significantly decreasing the length of time between requesting specialist help and receiving it.

Following the successful pilot, this innovative service model is attracting national attention, and already shaping the redesign of services in London and beyond.

Dr Dominique Thompson, Director of the Students’ Health Service, said: “The Students’ Health Service is really excited to celebrate this innovative service for supporting anyone seeking help with an eating disorder in Bristol. We have seen dramatic improvements in our students who participated in the pilot, and the feedback has been consistently great. This service should significantly ease access to services for the whole city. We are proud to have led this innovation.”

Will Devlin, the AWP clinical psychologist leading on the new service said: “First Step has been shaped by GP recommendations, and the wishes of people who use the service. We hope that this innovation offers people more choice and better access to specialised services closer to home.”