AN inpatient service for people with eating disorders has won recognition for its work from a national charity.

The regional adult inpatient eating disorders service at the Birch Ward in West Park Hospital, in Darlington, has been awarded the Beat Assured Quality mark in recognition of its established good practice.

The Birch Ward is a specialist unit run by Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust at West Park Hospital, in Darlington, and is part of the Northern Centre for Eating Disorders (NCED), providing care for people with eating disorders across the North East and North Cumbria areas.

Beat, the national eating disorders charity, awards accreditation to specialist units on the basis of the treatment and care given to patients, as well as the support the staff give to the families and carers.

Staff from Beat were impressed by the positive and highly motivated staff team on Birch Ward, its quality service and high standards of care and treatment and the range of interventions and individualised treatment for patients and support for carers.

Louise Dunne, of Beat, who carried out the assessment with colleagues said: “The Beat Assured Accreditation highlights a dedicated staff team continuing to develop a newly commissioned service, which is already demonstrating areas of excellence within their practice.”

Nicola Hutchinson, service manager, said: “Staff and patients alike at Birch Ward are thrilled to achieve this prestigious accolade from Beat.

“The specialist 15 bed inpatient eating disorder centre has been open for nearly two years now and this national quality mark is recognition of how dedicated the team are in providing the best possible care and treatment for adults with eating disorders.”