Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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811. To ask the Minister for Health the number of people hospitalised with eating disorders since 2022. [25345/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders is progressing well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded, and approximately 100 dedicated Eating Disorder clinicians working in teams across the country. Enhancement of eating disorder services is a key priority for me, and I have stated my intention to secure funding for the remaining teams at the next Budget.

In terms of inpatient admissions, eating disorders affect a relatively young section of the population, and younger people can access 20 dedicated eating disorder beds across the four 4 CAMHS inpatient units. As of the most recent update available, the waiting list nationally to access beds in CAMHS units due to eating disorders was 2 as of May 6th.

For adults, the HSE currently works to meet people’s needs through the provision of general adult mental health beds, by procuring private capacity on a case by case basis, and through the three specialist eating disorder beds at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

A review of adult bed capacity for specialist ED beds is currently underway, and the National Clinical Programme are developing a plan with a geographic spread based on this review. I expect to receive this plan from the HSE next month.

On the specific service issue you have raised, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to you in this regard.