Vol. 441 No. 3
4 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that there are only three public beds for people with eating disorders in this country; his views on whether anorexia and bulemia are serious problems; and the plans, if any, he has to help people with these disorders.
Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulemia, can be extremely serious for those affected and their families. Although these conditions are not specific to either gender, they particularly affect women. The symptoms of the disorders may range from mild to severe. Persons presenting with eating disorders are generally treated in their own health board area. Where in-patient treatment is deemed necessary, it is provided on the basis of clinical need in the local acute psychiatric unit or hospital.
In addition, a tertiary referral service for eating disorders is available in St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park and St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin. The allocation of beds within these hospitals is a matter for hospital management in the context of patient need.
There is therefore no pre-determined allocation of beds for eating disorders in the country, beds being made available on the basis of patient need at any particular time. My Department will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that adequate facilities exist for the treatment of these disorders.
I am also concerned to prevent these conditions arising. The Health Promotion Unit of my Department is actively involved with the Department of Education in the promotion of healthy nutrition in schools and in programmes which foster self-esteem and positive body-awareness, particularly among young girls. The unit is also developing an information leaflet on the subject of eating disorders.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): I welcome the Minister's statement that a programme is being promoted in schools. This is most important. He mentioned that beds are available on demand. The excellent article by Victoria White in The Irish Times highlighted the fact that there are only three public beds and that people with eating disorders have to avail of VHI cover. Will the Minister seriously consider providing beds for people with these disorders and provide support for the clinics which treat them? Does he accept the figures quoted in the article, that 20 per cent of female students in the United States and 1 per cent in England suffer from this disease? As there are no figures available in this country, will the Minister consider establishing a national bureau to compile statistics?
There are no beds designated for patients with eating disorders. The decision on whether a patient should be admitted rests with the hospital authorities. Treatment is provided in a local acute psychiatric unit and, if necessary, a tertiary referral service is available in the hospitals I mentioned. I share the Deputy's view that there is a need for education to prevent these distressing disorders arising. This matter is given priority by the Health Promotion Unit of my Department. On the question of statistics, I am anxious to receive information on the health status of women. I have been informed that approximately 1 per cent of all adolescent females suffer from anorexia nervosa while a slightly larger percentage of females suffer from bulemia.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Will the Minister consider establishing a body to compile definite figures?
While I would have to have regard to the cost involved I am anxious to receive reliable statistics on the health status of women. I will see what can be done.
I can call Question No. 5 in accordance with the resolution of the House of this day concerning priority questions.
