Richardson Eating Disorder Service – Ward 31A Patient Information Leaflet

This leaflet provides information for the Richardson Eating Disorder Service (REDS) which is a specialist service which provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for eating disorders. It is for men and women aged 18 and over living in the northern part of the North East and Cumbria.

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  • Introduction

    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.

  • What is the Richardson Eating Disorder Service (REDS)?

    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.

  • Who is it for?

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

  • Why do I need to be here?

    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.

  • Arriving on REDS

    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.

  • What sort of things can I do at REDS?

    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.

  • Teaching, audit and research

    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.

  • Confidentiality

    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.

  • Interpreters

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

  • Travel information

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

  • What if I have a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint about the service?

    If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

     
    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/yourvoice
    • complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
    • other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

     
    Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
    PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

    We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

    North of Tyne
    Tel: 0800 032 0202
    Email: [email protected]
    Post: FREEPOST PALS

    South of Tyne
    Tel: 0800 328 4397
    Text: 07825 061 035
    Email: [email protected]
    Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

    9am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
    An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

  • Useful contacts

    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]

  • Contact details

    Richardson Eating Disorder Service (REDS)
    Ward 31A
    Richardson Unit
    Leazes Wing
    Royal Victoria Infirmary
    Richardson Road
    Newcastle
    NE1 4LP
    Tel: 0191 282 5259
    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.

  • Information about content, other formats and version control

    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
    2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
    Ref, PIC/353/0524 May 2024 V8
    www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
    Review 2025