Lothians see drop in eating disorder cases

THE number of people suffering from eating disorders across the Lothians has dropped in the last year.

Figures released through the Scottish Parliament show that 66 people were admitted last year, the lowest in three years.

While there is still concern at the numbers suffering from illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia, health chiefs are hopeful that the trend is moving in the correct direction.

That will be further helped by the planned opening of an eating disorders unit at St John’s Hospital in Livingston, which will reduce the chances of patients – many of whom are young females – being admitted to a psychiatric healthcare setting.

The statistics were released following a question by West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan.