SUFFERERS are being urged to seek help as figures reveal Dorset has one of the highest levels of eating disorder admissions in the country.

According to statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSIC), the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had 49 ‘finished admission episodes’ for patients with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder in 2012 to 2013.

The number of admissions in Dorset stayed the same in 2013 to 2014, but there are concerns that the statistics paint a worrying picture for the county.

Brave Dorchester resident Natasha Stewart, 21, who was diagnosed with anorexia in 2012 and lost more than half her body weight, is now urging others battling an eating disorder not to suffer in silence.

A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider.

Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period.

The Dorset CCG is formed of all 100 GP practices in the county.

The only other figures higher than Dorset CCG for admission episodes in 2014 were Barnet CCG at 103, Camden CCG at 123, Isle of Wight CCG at 55 and Northern Eastern and Western Devon CCG at 96.

A spokesman for Dorset HealthCare said: “We provide a comprehensive Eating Disorders service in Dorset providing outpatient, day patient and inpatient treatment.

“Specialist inpatient care can be essential for those with a severe eating disorder.

“In 2011 to 2012 our inpatient service had 34 admissions, 20 from Dorset and 14 from surrounding counties.

“In 2013 to 2014 we had 39 admissions, 23 from Dorset residents and eight from surrounding counties.

“Patients with an eating disorder can also have brief admissions to other hospitals for treatment of physical health issues, which may account for the higher numbers of admissions reported.”

Further statistics released from the HSIC reveal that nationally, the number of young girls admitted to hospital with an eating disorder has doubled in the last three years.

In 2013 to 14, hospitals in England admitted 1,656 girls aged up to 19 who were suffering from an eating disorder.

Yet in 2010 to 11, there were 840 admissions for the same age group.

Statistics for young boys admitted were considerably lower, with 123 boys aged up to 19 years old admitted to hospital with an eating disorder in 2010 to 2011.

In 2013 to 2014, there were 135 admissions for the same age group.

Dr Paul French of NHS Dorset CCG said: “We recognise that eating disorders can be distressing and often have an impact, not just on those immediately affected, but also on their family and friends.

“Anyone who has concerns either about themselves or another should speak to their GP or medical professional.”

For advice or more information call Dorset’s Eating Disorders service on 01202 492147.

Referrals can be made by a health or social care professional.

Support groups are also available, including the Carers Support Group which is held at Kimmeridge Court in Poole on a monthly basis.