Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was concerned by information I received in reply to a parliamentary question I submitted recently regarding services for persons with eating disorders. The reply I received indicated the HSE had developed an approved model of care for eating disorders. It was launched in 2018 but, to date, out of the proposed eating disorder network of eight adult and eight child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, teams, only three teams have commenced recruitment and are delivering a service. Two are CAMHS and one is for adults, which is only three out of 16 in three years.

The HSE is provided with funding on a yearly basis. I am told funding is also available this year to progress the recruitment of clinicians, but the HSE has stated: "The availability of skilled staff is a significant issue in Mental Health services where demand outstrips supply in both the national and international contexts". I am told only three adult beds are available, all of which are based in community healthcare organisation, CHO, area 6. Very limited services are available for anyone else affected outside that CHO area.

It is recognised that most people can, and do, recover from eating disorders and the most effective treatment is in the community. The HSE-approved model of care for eating disorders sounds wonderful on paper, but it is based on establishing specialist regional teams with skilled clinicians that will collaborate with hospitals and GPs. As with every other medical condition, early intervention is key.

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