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Anorexia Battle: Family Fears Hospital Discharge to Death
15 May
Summary
- A young woman with anorexia faces potential hospital discharge despite critical condition.
- Her family fears this discharge is a death sentence without intensive inpatient support.
- A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to fund private specialist treatment.
A family in Scotland fears a young woman battling anorexia nervosa is being discharged from hospital to die. The 26-year-old, Caitlin Mackay, remains in critical condition after collapsing last week at an eating disorder service in Inverness and being admitted to Raigmore Hospital. Doctors have noted visible heart damage from years of starvation, yet her relatives are preparing for an early discharge next week.
Caitlin has struggled with anorexia for ten years and was previously discharged for "lack of engagement." Her sister, Hollie, described the situation as terrifying, stating Caitlin knows she needs help and fears going home means dying. The family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise £8,000 for private specialist care, with long-term costs estimated between £20,000 and £100,000. Community donations have already surpassed £6,000.
NHS Highland stated it cannot comment on individual cases but is engaging with the family. Caitlin, who finds comfort in visits from her French bulldog, Harvey, is reportedly terrified of discharge. Her family is urgently appealing for public support to fund life-saving treatment and secure a future for her.
