16th April 2024
An update for parents and carers regarding our Complex feeding team
What is the service?
Between 2020 and 2023, NHFT started a pilot pathway for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) for children and young people up to the age of 18 which was called the Complex Feeding team. Our approach was innovative and was recognised regionally as good practice.
This psychology led pilot pathway explored the support of patients with and without an eating disorder diagnosis. As we move from pilot stage towards an established ongoing service, our learnings have helped us understand the best ways forward.
What did we learn from the service pilot?
A key thing we learned was that the most appropriate care for those children and young people who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ARFID can and should best be provided in other service areas, particularly where physical (rather than psychological) health and nutritional risks are present.
After a multi-service clinical review, it’s been identified that NHFT has a number of services are better placed to support in these situations and for children with these needs, such as the 0-19 service (Health Visting and School Nursing), GP, Paediatricians, the Children’s Community Team for People with Learning Difficulties (CTPLD) and Community Dietetics.
How are we supporting children and families?
A review of all children and young people referred to the ARFID pathway, who following assessment, are not diagnosed with an eating disorder has been undertaken. The best services to support each child have been identified. Following a review appointment, care will be carefully transitioned to the above teams in order for young people and families to receive the most appropriate support and provision. We recognise that some families may be concerned about this decision and are welcome to discuss this with us further at their review appointment.
Some families have received a letter after recent review appointments in which a sentence was added to say that the ‘complex feeding team was closing’. For clarity, the Complex Feeding pilot has been completed and the ongoing psychology led service supporting ARFID will be part of the Children & Young People’s Community Eating Disorder Service (CYP CEDS). If you wish to discuss any concerns following a recent communication, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison team www.nhft.nhs.uk/pals or call 0800 917 8504 or 03000 273 708.
We are really sorry if any previous miscommunication has caused concern or inconvenience. We are speaking to affected families through their review appointments and we hope that you will understand that these developments are intended to make sure that all children and young people are kept safe and receive the best and most appropriate care regardless of diagnosis.
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