A new unit to treat patients with eating disorders in the east of Scotland has been opened.

The South East Scotland Regional Eating Disorders Unit is based at St John’s Hospital in Livingston. The £500,000 facility will be used by patients from NHS Lothian, Borders, Fife and Forth Valley.

Michael Matheson, the minister for public health, opened the unit on Tuesday.

It has 12 bedrooms, a therapeutic kitchen and dining areas, group work areas, sitting areas and a quiet room.

The unit will help the NHS treat people with a range of eating disorders, allowing a specialist team to help patients recover.

Consultant Psychiatrist Professor Anthony Pelosi said: "The new unit will be a valuable addition to the excellent range of treatment services already available in the community.

"Our specialist staff will work closely with patients on practical, emotional and interpersonal skills, alongside psychiatric and weight stabilisation aiding progress towards recovery."

Michael Matheson said: "This unit, and the much broader supporting services, is a fantastic example of partnership working, and I would like to thank all of the staff from each of the partner NHS boards for their commitment and hard work in making this unit a reality.

"Having an eating disorder can be a severe and complex condition to address and we must do what we can to ensure those people access the help and support they need.

"This unit will provide improved access to specialist care, treatment and support for service users experiencing the most severe forms of eating disorder, their carers and families across South East Scotland."