Richardson Eating Disorder Service – Ward 31A Patient Information Leaflet

This leaflet provides you with information that you will find useful during your stay. If you are not sure about anything in this leaflet please ask a member of staff.

The Richardson Eating Disorder Service is a specialist service based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle which provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for eating disorders.

The service is for men and women aged 18 and over living in the northern part of the North East and Cumbria.

Most patients have developed an eating disorder that is enduring, complex or severe enough to impact on their physical and emotional well-being. However some with a milder condition are also admitted.

When you arrive you will be welcomed by a member of the care team. They will explain what will happen during your stay and give you information.

There is a weekly programme, which includes various groups and recreational activities. A timetable is up in the communal area.

The programme includes individual and group therapy, with members of the nursing staff and therapists.

There is the expectation that you will attend prescribed groups and therapies and take part in the activities of the Ward.

We regularly have student health care professionals on placement at Ward 31A. If you are asked to contribute to their training, you will be asked for your consent.

REDS is committed to audit and research, to establish what treatment is most helpful for whom, and to ensure that the treatment we provide is effective. During your admission you will be asked to complete questionnaires and other psychological measures. Whilst not completing these will not affect the treatment that you are offered, you are unlikely to gain the most benefit from your admission if you do not complete these measures.

Members of the Team share information on a ‘need to know’ basis in order for them to carry out their jobs effectively. Patient information is kept confidential according to NHS policies and practices. There may be occasions when we need to share information with outside professionals who are involved in your care. If you are over 18 then we may not share information about you with family and carers without your permission.

All members of the Team write in your notes to record their contribution to your care plan. Under the Freedom of Information Act you have the right to access your notes.

If you require an interpreter staff can arrange to book an appointment.

Contact Traveline: Tel: 0871 200 22 33
Website: www.traveline.info/

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:
• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website www.cntw.nhs.uk (click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab)
• telephone the Complaints Department 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected] Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk
• We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention.
You can provide feedback in the following ways:
– the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/poy
– complete a Points of You survey, available from staff.

• BEAT – beating eating disorders
Gives access to an established and recognised network of help and support.
Unit 1 Chalk Hill House
19 Rosary Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1SZ
Helpline: 0808 801 0677; Email: [email protected]
Youthline: 0808 801 0711; Email: [email protected]
Studentline: 0808 801 0811
Website: www..beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

• Northern Initiative on Women’s Eating (NIWE)
Offers a non-medical environment in which women can explore and understand their difficulties with food and emotion
NIWE Eating Distress Service
The Old Post Office
5 Pink Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 5DW
Tel: 0191 221 0233
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.niwe.org.uk/

• Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Offers confidential on-the-spot advice and support to patients, relatives and carers, helping you to sort out any concerns you may have about NHS care, guiding you through the different services available from the NHS.
North of Tyne PALS, The Old Stables, Grey’s Yard
Morpeth, NE61 1QD
Freephone: 0800 032 02 02
E-mail: [email protected]

Richardson Eating Disorder Service (REDS)
Ward 31A
Richardson Unit
Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Richardson Road
Newcastle
NE1 4LP
Tel: 0191 282 5654
E-mail: [email protected]
Patients’ phone: 0191 261 6895

Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2022 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref, PIC/353/0322 March 2022 V7
www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288

Review 2025