A NORTHERN Irish woman who suffers from anorexia is continuing her legal fight against being sent to England for treatment.
Her lawyers said that the challenge would continue following a decision to keep her detained at a specialist unit under mental health legislation.
The woman launched emergency judicial review proceedings a fortnight ago, as she is opposed to being taken from the North of Ireland for further treatment.
The judge, Mr Justice Stephens, imposed a ban on identifying the woman and the health trust involved in the case.
He also suggested that the case “raises important issues” concerning the transfer of anorexic patients to England from the North.
"There are issues about the impact and lack of funding for treatment of anorexic sufferers here in Northern Ireland," he said.
Described as being in a "fairly chronic state of health", the woman's legal action against being taken to England to receive treatment was halted whilst a mental health review tribunal meeting took place.
The judge was told last week that the woman's continued detention was authorised.
Seeking more time for both sides to prepare for the case, her barrister Alan Kane QC told the judge at the High Court in Belfast that his client’s health would not be compromised by an adjournment.
"The doctors are able to cater for her adequately," he said.
The judicial review application, which is being taken against both the trust and Department of Health, is set for hearing in September.
See More: Anorexia, England, Legal Fight, North Of Ireland
