Vol. 471 No. 2
23 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the reason a hospital bed could not be found for a 15 year old girl suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia five days prior to her death; and the plans, if any, he has to establish dedicated units with fully trained medical staff to treat young adolescents with severe eating disorders. [20448/96]
Limerick East): Health boards are responsible for the delivery of health services in their functional areas, including the provision of care for persons presenting with eating disorders.
With regard to the recent patient death referred to by the Deputy, I am seriously concerned about the events surrounding this case. I am informed by the Eastern Health Board that it intends to conduct a formal review of the patient's treatment programme for the time of first referral to the time of her unfortunate death.
I have to date received preliminary reports from the Eastern Health Board and the Mater Hospital on the case. In the light of these reports and the need to clearly establish the facts surrounding this tragedy, I have asked the Inspector of Mental Hospitals to investigate and report to me as soon as possible on this case.
I am sure that the House will join with me in extending its most sincere sympathy to the family.
As part of a comprehensive community oriented psychiatric service, patients with eating disorders are normally treated by their local psychiatric service. However, dedicated units with fully trained medical staff to treat young adolescents with severe eating disorders are currently in operation in St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin and Warrenstown House, a facility administered by the Eastern Health Board. I also understand that similar dedicated units are provided by St. Patrick's Hospital and the St John of God's Service.
