Article from BBC Website
NI to have eating disorder unit
Northern Ireland will have its own eating disorder unit in 2010, the health minister has said.

"I will be investing in an eating disorder unit," said Mr McGimpsey.

"It will either be a concentrated one of five beds in one location in Belfast, or it will be five eating disorder beds, one in each trust area."

Last year 41 people from NI were sent to six eating disorder units across the UK. This cost the Department of Health in NI more than £3m.

The minister said he recognised the need for eating disorder patients to receive in-patient care closer to home.

Jackie King from the Eating Disorder Association in Northern Ireland welcomed the news that the minister had committed to providing a unit for sufferers.

"Five beds isn't a lot for Northern Ireland," she said.

"My view on it would be it has to be a central unit. We can't have beds scattered across the province because it just wouldn't work. There has to be a continuity of care.

"However, it is the first time the minister has actually said anything concrete, so it is good news."