CNWL Milton Keynes Lifespan Specialist Eating Disorder Service has a multi-disciplinary team approach to the assessment, treatment and monitoring of eating disorders for people of all ages across Milton Keynes.
The service works in accordance with national guidance for the management of eating disorders set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Our Milton Keynes Lifespan Eating Disorder Service (MKLEDS) currently provides support for those living with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder (jointly with Caraline).
Anorexia
Anorexia (or anorexia nervosa) is where an individual restricts their nutritional intake to control their weight and compensate using other forms. This behaviour creates complex psychological difficulties and physical health implications.
Bulimia
Bulimia (or bulimia nervosa) is where an individual is trapped in a cycle of eating large volumes of food (bingeing), leading to them feeling guilty and then compensating through purging.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
BED is when an individual’s eating large portions of food until you feel uncomfortably full.
Eating disorders are often stereotyped as primarily affecting females, but the reality is that they can impact anyone. While eating disorders are more commonly associated with females, research indicates that a significant number of men also experience these disorders. BEAT, a UK eating disorder charity reports that around 25% of individuals with eating disorders in the UK are male. However, due to stigma and societal expectations, many men may be hesitant to seek help.
Due to stigma and misconceptions, men with eating disorders may encounter barriers to accessing treatment. They may be less likely to be referred for specialist support or may face challenges finding services that fit their needs.
MKLEDS are passionate about providing an inclusive support service, that aims to break down barriers to treatment and ensure that all individuals, receive the help they need to recover.
For more information about men with eating disorders, please go to the BEAT website.
The service supports individuals who have a range of eating disorders. Currently the service accepts those with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
In the future, this will be extended to include binge eating disorders and a range of other presentations. We are an outpatient service and have no inpatient beds locally. Please be aware we are not a crisis service.
GPs or other mental health professionals can make a referral to the service. Currently we do not accept self-referrals.
Your referral will be screened by a specialist and if accepted you can expect to be contacted within 10 to 14 days to arrange an appointment for an initial assessment. We do have provision to see you sooner under certain circumstances or if you are under 18.
There may be a waiting list for an assessment or treatment but individuals will be seen within the nationally agreed timescales. Following assessment individuals may be signposted to other services or offered support within the team.
Outpatient services are located within Neath Hill Health Centre.
On arrival, take a seat in the reception area and one of the team will come out to greet you. There is no need to check in at reception which is for patients for the GP surgery.
Bus: Service No. 7 from the Shopping Centre
Train: Milton Keynes Railway Station to Neath Hill
Helplines
BEAT provide support and information about eating disorders through their helplines, one-to-one instant chat, social media, and emails. Beat also run moderated online groups and message boards, to allow peer support.
- 0808 801 0677 – Adult helpline
- 0808 801 0711 – Youth helpline
- 0808 801 0811 – Student helpline
Visit the BEAT website.
Podcasts
- Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast – Janean Anderson
- Recovery Warrior Podcast
- Food Psych
- Butterfly: Let’s Talk
- The Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast – Tabitha Farrar
If you know somebody who has an eating disorder, the links below will be able to help you with starting important conversations with someone you may be worried about or about how you can help them during their treatment and through their wider journey to recovery: