A new treatment centre for eating disorders has opened in Wimbledon.

The service, based at Arthur House, will provide treatment for over-18s with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or mixed eating disorder symptoms, staffed by a team of experts led by a specialist consultant.

Opening the new service, MP for Wimbledon Stephen Hammond said: “It’s important to take the opportunity to highlight the work that is being done to help improve support for those with eating disorders, so I welcome the opening of Arthur House for those stepping down from an intensive hospital stay, or looking to address eating disorders at an early stage.

“A common issue among patients is relapse, and services like Arthur House have an important role to play both in ensuring recovery is sustained, and helping patients avoid repeated hospital stays.

"It was very interesting to meet the team, discuss the therapies and treatment on offer, and to understand how the service will support individuals, helping them make links with the local community and turning their hopes for a healthy future into reality.”

The Priory Group has invested more than £1 million in the service and it is hoped that the centre will save the NHS thousands of pounds by ending the “revolving door” of repeated hospital treatments.

Service director at Arthur House, Steve Clarke was delighted by the opening.

“Arthur House prepares individuals for everyday life by recreating challenges in a safe environment," he said.

"This is a vital missing link within current UK treatment.

“There is increasing evidence from international clinics and specialist services that this ‘bridging’ approach plays a huge role in helping individuals with eating disorders manage their recovery in the long-term by preparing them for situations they may encounter. This could take anything from two months to longer, gradually progressing to day care and less frequent sessions with our expert therapists.

“But, whilst they are under our care, we – and their families – can feel reassured we are giving them the very best guidance for ‘stepping down’ from treatment in a safe and supportive environment, whilst preventing them from ‘stepping back’ into negative behaviours.”