A new eating disorder hospital has opened in Barnet.

Ellern Mede, who provide day services and follow-up outpatient care for those with eating disorders, has opening a purpose-designed hospital in Warwick Road, Barnet.

Two innovative programmes will be offered at the new centre, including a six-week therapy programme for children and young people aged eight-18 with anorexia and their families.

Ellern Mede managing director Peter Curtis said: “Our new services are specifically designed for children and young adults that are at the earlier stages of diagnosis and treatment and can benefit from immediate and tailor made treatment and may find the private route is possibly the best of the options available to them.”

The services offered, initially only privately, will complement those already provided at the Ellern Mede Ridgeway in Mill Hill, which are mainly contracted by the NHS and other agencies.

Guest at the centre’s opening on June 17 included former Mayor of Barnet Cllr David Longstaff and Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers.

She said: “The country may be divided but what has united all parties is the recognition of the crucial importance of mental health, that as a society we have to do more and in particular, for young people.

“Eating Disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions affecting young people and so I welcome this new facility which I am sure will be a very successful clinic and will help people suffering from eating disorders.”