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health21h ago
Mental health units discharging eating disorder patients with ‘dangerously low’ BMIs
- FOI data show NHS trusts discharged patients with BMI under 15, some as low as 12.5, challenging safe-discharge norms.
- Experts call the discharges 'horrifying' and link them to NHS services struggling with demand.
- NHS England says BMI should not be used alone and discharge depends on multiple clinical factors.
- NHS trusts with low-BMI discharges included South London and the Maudsley, and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.
- The data may underestimate true numbers since only nine of 54 trusts provided figures.
- Clinicians say BMI is only one risk factor among medical, psychiatric and social considerations.
- NHS England emphasized safe practice and that BMI alone should not determine discharge.
- The investigation covered nine trusts and multiple services, including inpatient and community care.
- Experts warn low-BMI discharges increase relapse risk and potential long-term harm.
- NHS providers say discharges follow guidance from NICE and are monitored with follow-up care.
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