Pa Daly
Ceist:110. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the number of in-patient beds available in the State for children with eating disorders. [58555/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFriday, 3 December 2021
Ceisteanna (110)
Freagraí scríofa
Enhancement of specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists, remains a key priority for me and Government as a whole.
In circumstances where children require inpatient care, treatment can be provided in all 72 inpatient CAMHS beds across the country. Furthermore, Linn Dara and Merlin Park have a dedicated number of specialist eating disorder beds, 8 and 6 beds respectively. Additionally, there are plans for an Eating Disorder Unit in the new National Children’s Hospital, which will provide 8 additional beds.
There is strong evidence that inpatient mental health care is not required for most people with eating disorders. However, it is recognised that a small number of individuals will require inpatient care for short periods.
Specialist outpatient treatment has been found to be the most effective and fastest way for most people with eating disorders to recover. In line with the Eating Disorders Model of Care, there are currently 2 eating disorder specialist community teams based in CAMHS, with an additional team to be established by the end of this year. A further two CAMHS teams are planned for development in 2022. Children can also access treatment through the 72 CAMHS community teams nationwide.
Importantly, including funding for 2022, €6.85 million has been allocated to the Eating Disorders National Clinical Programme since 2016.
A total of 8 specialist eating disorder teams for CAMHS are recommended under the Model of Care and I am fully committed to ensuring the continued development of these services.