Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition. Eating disorder services in this country do not reflect the seriousness of this. Young people with eating disorders face a medical cliff-edge when they reach adulthood. Their care can simply stop. They are discharged from CAMHS and placed on a waiting list for adult services that are understaffed, under-resourced and, in 14 counties, are non-existent. Families describe it as being cut loose. The care stops dead and there is little to no continuity. With eating disorders, the gap in treatment can cause rapid regression. We know what works: early intervention and seamless transition, colocated child and adult mental health service teams, clear national pathways, stepdown care and mandatory handover planning before a young person turns 18. An eating disorder does not disappear on your 18th birthday. Our services cannot either. Will the Minister implement a mandatory standardised transition pathway from child to adult services?

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