A.N.T.S.
Adequate Nationwide Treatment for Sufferers
of Eating Disorders
Statement by Brian Cotter MP
An eating disorder is a terrible, and often misunderstood affliction. For the sufferer, the cost of such a disorder is not only high in terms of treatment costs, but the personal cost can be the ultimate one. If you are in an area where the NHS provides a specialist, then it can cost the PCT upwards of £25,000 for a treatment programme. Private care can reach up to nearly £50,000, which is often the only alternative to doing nothing in the absence of an NHS specialist.
The pain of suffering from an eating disorder is often a shared one. There are many diverse ways in which an eating disorder can affect close family. Caring for a loved one, watching them either waste away or in many unpublicised cases, die from their illness, will leave a scar that causes as much suffering again.
I have met and worked with John and his family on many occasions, and have seen first hand the detrimental effect that not having a working system in place has on both the sufferer of a disorder, and those that care for them.
Eating disorders can begin, often without the person's knowledge, through stress, anxiety and depression. When the realisation finally dawns that there is a problem, many people are reluctant to recognise that they need help.
It is for this reason that I believe the work John is doing is so vital. There is simply not enough education and information. Most importantly though, whilst cancer, HIV, heart disease and other more high profile illnesses may be discussed in the early years of life at school and at home, there is little, if any, information given on eatting disorders and their effects.
This website is a vital tool for those who may feel lost or alone, carers and sufferers alike, who seek support and information that may, put simply, save the life of someone they love.
Brian Cotter MP, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare.
Contact details for Brian Cotter MP can be found on our Contact Page.
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[ Message Board | Updated January 2006 | Contact / Feedback ]
"This website is a vital tool
for those who may feel lost or alone, carers and sufferers alike,
who seek support and information that may,
put simply, save the life of someone they love."
Brian Cotter MP, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Weston-super-Mare 1997-2005.
