This leaflet provides information for the Richardson Eating Disorder Service (REDS) Ward 31A which is a specialist service which provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for eating disorders. It is for men and women aged 18 and over living in the northern part of the North East and Cumbria.
This leaflet provides you with information that you will find useful during your stay. If you are not sure about anything in this leaflet please ask a member of staff.
The Richardson Eating Disorder Service is a specialist service based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle which provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for eating disorders.
The service is for men and women aged 18 and over living in the northern part of the North East and Cumbria.
Most patients have developed an eating disorder that is enduring, complex or severe enough to impact on their physical and emotional well-being. However some with a milder condition are also admitted.
When you arrive you will be welcomed by a member of the care team. They will explain what will happen during your stay and give you information.
There is a weekly programme, which includes various groups and recreational activities. A timetable is up in the communal area.
The programme includes individual and group therapy, with members of the nursing staff and therapists.
There is the expectation that you will attend prescribed groups and therapies and take part in the activities of the Ward.
We regularly have student health care professionals on placement at Ward 31A. If you are asked to contribute to their training, you will be asked for your consent.
REDS is committed to audit and research, to establish what treatment is most helpful for whom, and to ensure that the treatment we provide is effective. During your admission you will be asked to complete questionnaires and other psychological measures. Whilst not completing these will not affect the treatment that you are offered, you are unlikely to gain the most benefit from your admission if you do not complete these measures.
Members of the Team share information on a ‘need to know’ basis in order for them to carry out their jobs effectively. Patient information is kept confidential according to NHS policies and practices. There may be occasions when we need to share information with outside professionals who are involved in your care. If you are over 18 then we may not share information about you with family and carers without your permission.
All members of the Team write in your notes to record their contribution to your care plan. Under the Freedom of Information Act you have the right to access your notes.
If you require an interpreter staff can arrange to book an appointment.
Contact Traveline: 0871 200 22 33
Website: www.
If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:
- Talk to the people directly involved in your care
- Ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website www.
cntw.nhs.uk/ contact/ complaints/ - Telephone the Complaints Department Telephone: 0191 245 6672
- Email complaints
@cntw.nhs.uk
We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention.
You can provide feedback in the following ways:
- the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.
- complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
- other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.
We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.
North of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: pals
Post: FREEPOST PALS
South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: pals
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB
9am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.
BEAT – Beat eating disorders
Gives access to an established and recognised network of help and support.
Unit 1 Chalk Hill House
19 Rosary Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1SZ
Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Email: help
Website: www.
Eating Distress North East
Offers independent confidential services to people affected by eating distress across the North East.
58 Leazes Park Rd
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PG
Telephone: 0191 221 0233
Email: enquiries
Richardson Eating Disorder Service (REDS)
Ward 31A, Richardson Unit
Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Richardson Road
Newcastle
NE1 4LP
Admin office telephone: 0191 282 5259 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Nursing office telephone: 0191 282 5753
Patients’ telephone: 0191 261 6895
E-mail: REDS
Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk.
Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on telephone 0191 246 7288
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/924/0125 January 2025 V1
Website: www.
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028