Woking MP Visits Priory’s Life Works to Discuss Eating Disorder Care and National Mental Health Challenges

Will Forster, Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, visited Priory’s Life Works last week (Friday, 26 September) to meet staff and patients and to learn more about specialist treatment for people living with eating disorders and addiction.

During the visit, Mr Forster toured the facility with Elayne Smith, Hospital Director, and Sue Harms, Priory’s Managing Director for healthcare in the South. He talked to therapists and heard from a patient about her experience of living with an eating disorder and the challenges of accessing timely care.

Staff explained how Life Works delivers intensive, evidence-based treatment for eating disorders and addiction, and how Priory Hospital Woking complements this by providing a broader range of mental health services with colleagues working across both sites.

They highlighted national challenges, including the lack of early intervention and community provision for eating disorders, which can result in patients becoming dangerously unwell before receiving treatment.

The discussion also explored how independent providers like Priory can support the NHS through additional capacity, investment in staff and facilities – and by drawing on clinical expertise to help inform national policy and debate.

Ms Harms said: “We were delighted to welcome Will to Life Works. It was an excellent opportunity to show him the work we do here, to hear from patients and colleagues and to discuss both local and national challenges in eating disorder care.

“We were pleased with his interest in our services and in Priory’s wider role in supporting the people of the UK and how we want to lead the way in shaping future approaches to mental health and social care. We look forward to welcoming him into Priory Hospital Woking in the near future.”