Anorexic woman's specialist care could cost £200,000, court told

Sending an anorexic woman from Northern Ireland for specialist treatment in England against her wishes could cost up to £200,000, a court has heard.

A judge was also told that a consultant from the eating disorder unit did not travel to assess her before her transfer was authorised.

The patient, who cannot be identified, is taking legal action in a bid to block the move.

Now in her 40s, she has suffered from anorexia for more than 20 years.

She is currently being detained under mental health legislation.

Belfast High Court heard her condition is so serious that efforts are centred on improving her quality of life and reducing the risk of sudden death.

Her lawyers have claimed officials from Northern Ireland's Department of Health took the decision in July after carrying out an unlawful "tick-box exercise".

They have said any transfer would also be in conflict with her human rights.

A barrister said treatment in England could take months and potentially involve a bill of up to £200,000.

On the second day of the judicial review challenge, questions were raised over whether the health department complied with relevant guidelines.

The general rule is that the consultant from the receiving clinic visits the patient.

That did not happen in this case.

Lawyers for the health department said there was no explanation for the non-attendance, but that exceptions applied.

"This is a very serious matter, there's such a thing still extant as civil liberties," the judge said.

"In the extreme circumstances of a case like this people are entitled to have fair process, and a court is entitled to be satisfied that the decision-maker has considered this matter thoroughly.

"The tick-box would clearly be unsatisfactory."

The case continues.