Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
JUST THREE PUBLIC adult beds for those suffering from an eating disorder exist in Ireland right now and all are located in south Dublin, an Oireachtas committee was told today.
This number has not increased in recent years, despite a report last year finding that Ireland needs 23 more adult in-patient beds for people with eating disorders.
More than 20 new beds were due to be opened between 2018 and 2023 – but none were delivered.
Addressing the Oireachtas Health Committee, Martina Queally, the Regional Executive Officer in HSE Dublin and South East, said that referrals for services were increasing, stating that in 2024 there was an increase of 33%.
Over half of assessments were for children and adolescents, while adult assessments increased by over 50%.
80% of accepted referrals were seen within eight weeks, and 90% of those starting treatment did so within four weeks of assessment, she said.
Almost 500 people were engaged with specialist eating disorder teams at the end of 2024, representing a 20% increase on the previous year, but she acknowledged that the demand for services has grown beyond what was anticipated when the model of care was first published in 2018.
The organisation CARED, which has over 170 member families, told the committee members today that eating disorders represents the highest mortality rate of all mental health illnesses.
The group highlighted that one in 20 people in Ireland will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, with a recent study by the Health Research Board (HRB) showing a 121% rise in hospital admissions for eating disorders among under-18s in Ireland.
It was also highlighted that anorexia was the most common diagnosis for children in psychiatric hospitals, making up 91% of admissions.
Bodywhys CEO Harriet Parsons said that in 2024, its helpline responded to almost 1,300 calls, with over a third concerning people under 18.
She said that eight years after the model of care was published, demand has increased significantly but that services remain incomplete, understaffed, or inaccessible.
It was also highlighted that there is a postcode lottery, with geography determining survival. Fourteen counties have no eating disorder services at all.
Committee members were also told that transitions from CAMHS to AMHS remains problematic, causing unnecessary stress and loss of continuity at a vulnerable time.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say