Newcastle MP Fights To Save Eating Disorder Treatment Centre

23 June 2014, 06:00 | Updated: 24 June 2014, 07:25

Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah's taking her concerns over the planned closure of an eating disorder treatment unit in the city to parliament.

Chi's told Heart she's worried more people will die from eating disorders, if the Richardson Eating Disorders unit, based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, closes.

She says people needing treatment will need to travel 40 miles to the nearest service in Darlington if the closure goes ahead.

Seven local MPs have signed a joint letter to the Health Minister, urging him to ensure that the REDs Unit remains open.

Chi says there is a real need to retain the beds and service there as the number of people in the North East needing the service is increasing. 

The MPs who have signed up to keep the unit believe that travelling to Darlington is not an acceptable alternative for those in a vulnerable condition - with many arguing the support of friends and family is crucial when eating disorder sufferers need treatment.

You can hear Heart's Marie Christopher's special report on this here