Heart of Everything: Working in Psychiatry at Vincent Square Eating Disorders

"The Heart of Everything" films are dedicated to showcasing the experiences, skills and personality of the people behind the Vincent Square Eating Disorders service. The films celebrate their dedication, and the hard work they put into the recovery of others.

“What made you start working with the eating disorders department?”

Nikki,  responds: “I actually moved from Australia, I was working in Melbourne with a eating disorders team in their health system. This position really interested me because it’s a mix of working with the community team as well as the day program.”

Nikki joined our CNWL Vincent Square Eating Disorders service last year in her role as Consultant Psychiatrist to prevent young people going into hospital.

“I think it’s an excellent model of care, it’s a good mix of looking at the physical health side of things, as well as the mental health.”

Watch Nikki's video

Nikki, works alongside Ahad who was introduced to working at the service during her junior doctor training.

“I worked on the ward for six months. The psychiatry, the medicine and the therapy really appealed to me. My main role now as a Specialist Doctor is assessing new referrals to the service, assessing patients presenting with symptoms of eating disorders, it can range from severely underweight to severely overweight patients.”

Eating disorders are often associated with preoccupations with food, weight or shape or with anxiety about eating or the consequences of eating certain foods.

She said: “Controlling your eating, controlling your intake and your weight becomes a way to cope with difficult feelings, stress and worries – and it’s about addressing that, as well as addressing the food that a patient is consuming.”

Watch Ahad's video

Those diagnosed with eating disorders which in the UK is 90% women, can resume healthy eating habits, and recover their emotional and psychological health.

Ahad said: “. We tend to see younger women, I felt like I could relate to them in a lot of aspects, those reasons were what contributed to me choosing to work in this field. When you see patients getting better, it gives you such a sense of satisfaction that it feels like it’s worth it.”

Nikki also comments: “It’s rewarding to work in this area, not just being able to help the young people but their families as well.”

About Vincent Square Eating Disorders Service

CNWL treated over 1,300 eating disorder patients between 2022-2023.

Vincent Square offers a range of specialist services for women and men suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders. Learn more.