Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Eating Disorders.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

123 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the reports or studies which have been carried out by his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department in relation to eating disorders, particularly in young women; and the special medical beds, if any, which are available in Dublin or elsewhere for such medical problems. [9900/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

, Limerick East): Clinical studies and clinical research are undertaken in this country on eating disorders. However, there have been no reports or studies specifically commissioned by my Department or agencies under the aegis of my Department in relation to this disorder.

Eating disorders 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 may range from mild to severe.

Health boards are responsible for the delivery of health services in their functional areas. The delivery of health services includes the provision of care for persons with eating disorders. Persons with eating disorders are generally treated in the health board area in which they reside. Where inpatient 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.

I am 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 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.