Minister’s excuses for failures in eating disorder services unacceptable, says Ward

A Southside TD has blasted Minister of State Mary Butler for her “excuses” in relation to failures in provision of eating disorder services.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, also called for greater investment into eating disorder services as he called on Minister Butler to listen to eating disorder groups and advocates.

Information received by Deputy Ward stated that between 2018 and 2022, 718 adults presented to the HSE with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder, yet there only 3 specialist adult eating disorder beds in the country.

Deputy Ward was speaking following the Primetime Investigates feature on eating disorder services in the state.

“Last week’s Primetime Investigates programme covered eating disorder services in the state,” Deputy Ward said.

“The programme highlighted the struggles that service users and their families face in getting appropriate care.

“I have highlighted on many occasions the lack of public inpatient beds for adults with eating disorders.

“There are just 3 beds for the whole state.

“The National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders is ambitious in the level of service delivery hopes to achieve.

“The Government however have often underfunded its rollout.

“2023 saw no new funding allocated to the National Clinical Programme.

“This means that it was not able to expand.

“Minister Butler said that they will be delivering only 1 of the intended 3 teams this year.

“Sinn Féin have consistently prioritised funding in our alternative budget to complete this programme at the rate that is needed.

“The HSE recruitment embargo has caused further difficulty in delivering these teams as the staff are simply not there. This needs to be lifted.

“Teams are also facing uncertainty over permanent offices, as was highlighted to me in a parliamentary question response.

“Government is dropping the ball on this, they have had years to plan.

“Sinn Féin have been working with eating disorder groups and advocates and I have raised their issues on the floor of the Dáil.

“The Minister can no longer ignore their voices.

“I do not accept the Minister’s excuses, she has had 4 years to deliver and yet has not delivered one additional team over the last two years.

“The Minister has said that there is no need for the additional beds 20 inpatient beds.

“Between 2018 and 2022, 718 adults presented to the HSE with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder.

“Only 46 of these people received public specialist inpatient treatment in a dedicated eating disorder service.

“Demand is there, people are not receiving the care they need when and where they need it.

“It is shocking to hear parents describe the level of capacity in 2016 to realise that is hasn’t changed.

“The Government are out of ideas and are now out of time.

“We need a change of Government.

“We need a Government that will listen and will act in the best interests of those with eating disorders.”