The Government is facing calls for a commitment to urgently implement life saving supports for adults with eating disorders in Clare.
It comes as the HSE faces renewed criticism over the lack of specialist eating disorder services across the Midwest.
Adults currently requiring inpatient treatment for eating disorders in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary are being admitted to general psychiatric care instead.
While those who need community support are being treated through general mental health services.
The HSE’s Model of Care sets out the need for specialist treatment, but there’s currently no timeline for the rollout of an adult eating disorder team in the region, despite previous promises that it would be delivered in 2024.
HSE Regional Health Forum MidWest member and Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says the issue has been neglected for far too long.
It’s claimed that inadequate supports across the Midwest are resulting in patients’ conditions deteriorating rather than improving.
People admitted for life-saving interventions can receive little or no specialist follow-up care after being stabilised, potentially leaving them at risk of relapse once they leave hospital.
Adult and adolescent psychotherapist Fierna Kennedy says a lack of appropriate care can result in eating disorder behaviours being reinforced.
Listen to the full interview here
