Question:
29 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy of his Department in relation to the treatment of bulimia sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5748/98]
Written Answers. - Eating Disorders.
Dick Spring
Question:51 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons suffering from eating disorders; the specialised services in this area; the strategy, if any, he has for creating public awareness of these problems; and the provision of advice and support for sufferers. [5799/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 51 together.
The delivery of health services by health boards includes the provision of care for persons with earing disorders, including bulima. Persons with eating disorders are generally treated in the health board area in which they reside. Where in-patient treatment is deemed necessary, it is provided in the person's local acute psychiatric unit or hospital.
In addition, a tertiary referral service with fully trained medical staff for treating persons with eating disorders is available in St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, St. John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, County Dublin and in an Eastern Health Board administered service at Warrenstown House, Blanchardstown, Dublin. The number of persons suffering from eating disorders is not readily available but I will forward this information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
I am also conscious of the need to prevent eating disorders arising in the first place. The health promotion unit of my Department is actively involved with the Department of Education and Science in the promotion of healthy nutrition in schools and in programmes which foster self-esteem and positive body awareness, particularly among young girls. The health promotion unit has also published and distributed widely an information leaflet on the subject of eating disorders.