"Repeated promises of support from Adult Eating Disorder Service that never materialised"

I was referred to the Adult Eating Disorder Service at NSFT in November 2025 following a relapse of anorexia nervosa after many years of stability. At my assessment there were concerns about my physical health and I was told admission might even be required depending on blood test results. I was strongly encouraged to increase my intake, but I explained clearly that making changes without proper support had previously led to more harmful behaviours. I was reassured that support would be available.

Unfortunately my experience since then has been characterised by repeated promises of follow-up that never happened.

For example, I was told I would be placed on a waiting list for psychological support, but later discovered that I had not actually been added. I was told someone would contact me after my case was discussed at MDT, but no one did. I was told I would receive fortnightly appointments for support, but these never materialised.

On one occasion I emailed the team explaining that the lack of communication was making me more unwell. I described panic attacks and a GP visit because I was frightened about my health. That email received no response.

What I have found most distressing is being told there is concern about my health and that support will follow, and then hearing nothing for weeks. The uncertainty and lack of follow-through has made it very difficult to trust the service or feel safe engaging with it.

I also have a diagnosis of ASD, which was clearly noted in my referral. Clear communication and predictable follow-up are particularly important for autistic patients, yet throughout my contact with the service assurances were frequently made but not followed through.

I did try to engage with the service and cooperate with treatment, including attempting medication despite previous adverse reactions. However, the support discussed during appointments did not materialise in practice.

I would genuinely like to understand what level of ongoing support the Adult Eating Disorder Service is able to offer adults with anorexia, because my experience has felt largely like being left to manage alone while being told there is concern about my health.

I hope the service might be able to explain how situations like this occur, and whether anything can be done to improve follow-up and communication for other patients in the future.