Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
327 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of specialist consultants in the State specialising in eating disorders; the other services available to those suffering from eating disorders; if there is a strategy in place for addressing this growing public health problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8319/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraPersons presenting with eating disorders are generally treated through the psychiatric services of their local health board. Out-patient psychiatric services are provided from a network of hospitals, health centres, day hospitals and day centres. Where in-patient treatment is deemed necessary, it is provided in the local acute psychiatric unit or hospital, beds being allocated on the basis of patient need at any particular time.
A tertiary referral service for eating disorders is available to public patients in St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin where three in-patient beds are designated for this purpose. A similar service is available privately at St. Patrick's Hospital, James's St, Dublin and at St. John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, County Dublin.
The number of consultants in the State specialising in eating disorders is not known, as eating disorders do not represent a recognised consultant specialty or special interest post in the context of the appointment of consultants. However, it is acknowledged that many physicians, paediatricians and psychiatrists have developed particular expertise in the area.
Later this year, the working group on child and adolescent psychiatry will commence the preparation of a report on services for people with eating disorders and how they can best be developed in the short, medium and long term.
