The Plan C Project
What is the Plan C Project?
1. Plan A is NHS Funding
2. Plan B is Private Funding
3. Plan C is the 'Plan C Project'
The simple way of treatment funding may not be as straight forward as hoped. Seeing a loved one suffer from such a destructive illness is painful and exhausting, and with the added stress of financial hassle...it can all get too much.
Eating Disorders, despite being mental illness', are ranked much of the time when it comes to medical treatment. If a sufferer does not hit a low enough BMI, then it is almost as though the doctor says 'Go home, carry on a bit longer, and then come back when you have lost a bit more weight!' But don't medical professionals always stress the importance of early intervention?
The Plan C Project is a project on the side of the campaign 'Hungry for Change'. I was inspired by the US organization 'Project Heal', run by two girls to give scholarships to sufferers who cannot afford treatment. The American health system is significantly different to that of the UK. We are blessed to have the National Health Service, where much funding is issued. However, the complexity of Eating Disorders means it is a difficult process and one where many people are left in despair at having to go down the private funding route. We however understand private funding may not always be an option for people, due to the extortionate costs of treatment. This project will be used as a 'last resort' and a 'plan c'. It will give carers/sufferers hope. It will shed a bit of light on the journey of recovery.
Did you know...
• The Eating Disorders Association (EDA) estimate that the direct costs of treating a patient with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating can be as high as £45,000.
• Their families also suffer the strain, with many buckling under the financial and emotional stresses.
• "The costs of treating an eating disorder is ruinous. We spent £25,000 and that is money a lot of people just can't afford. But the treatment has been our saviour and she is a lot better. But at what a cost." - Family member of sufferer
If you are willing to be a part of our case study, please email the following to <queries@hungryforchangeofficial.org>
(Please do not specify treatment centres/hospital names etc.)
We may email you back with further questions.
Thank you!
2. Plan B is Private Funding
3. Plan C is the 'Plan C Project'
The simple way of treatment funding may not be as straight forward as hoped. Seeing a loved one suffer from such a destructive illness is painful and exhausting, and with the added stress of financial hassle...it can all get too much.
Eating Disorders, despite being mental illness', are ranked much of the time when it comes to medical treatment. If a sufferer does not hit a low enough BMI, then it is almost as though the doctor says 'Go home, carry on a bit longer, and then come back when you have lost a bit more weight!' But don't medical professionals always stress the importance of early intervention?
The Plan C Project is a project on the side of the campaign 'Hungry for Change'. I was inspired by the US organization 'Project Heal', run by two girls to give scholarships to sufferers who cannot afford treatment. The American health system is significantly different to that of the UK. We are blessed to have the National Health Service, where much funding is issued. However, the complexity of Eating Disorders means it is a difficult process and one where many people are left in despair at having to go down the private funding route. We however understand private funding may not always be an option for people, due to the extortionate costs of treatment. This project will be used as a 'last resort' and a 'plan c'. It will give carers/sufferers hope. It will shed a bit of light on the journey of recovery.
Did you know...
• The Eating Disorders Association (EDA) estimate that the direct costs of treating a patient with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating can be as high as £45,000.
• Their families also suffer the strain, with many buckling under the financial and emotional stresses.
• "The costs of treating an eating disorder is ruinous. We spent £25,000 and that is money a lot of people just can't afford. But the treatment has been our saviour and she is a lot better. But at what a cost." - Family member of sufferer
- Have you been turned down by the National Health Service for Eating Disorder treatment?
- Was it because you did not fit the criteria?
- What was the outcome?
- Did you have to lose more weight to be even considered for treatment?
- Did you go about recovery on your own?
- How did it affect your family? How did it affect your Eating Disorder?
If you are willing to be a part of our case study, please email the following to <queries@hungryforchangeofficial.org>
- Name (Or anonymous if you wish, but please state that you would like to be kept anonymous)
- Age
- Location (County)
- Eating Disorder type (e.g. Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder etc.)
- Reason for being turned down for treatment
- Was private funding a possible alternative?
(Please do not specify treatment centres/hospital names etc.)
We may email you back with further questions.
Thank you!
