Concerns raised over lack of adult eating disorder services for Tipperary patients
The HSE confirmed recruitment is underway for a specialist CAMHS eating disorder team, but approval has yet to be granted for an adult service.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of a dedicated adult eating disorder service for people in Tipperary and across the Mid-West, despite progress on specialist supports for children and young people.
The issue was raised by Limerick Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan at the May meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid-West, where she sought an update from HSE Mid-West on the establishment of specialist eating disorder services.
In a written response, the HSE confirmed that work is ongoing on the development of a Mid-West CAMHS Eating Disorder Team funded under Budget 2025.
She said HSE recruitment has commenced for the service, which currently consists of two Advanced Nurse Practitioners, one Community Nursing Specialist, one Social Worker and one Dietician.
However, the HSE acknowledged that efforts to recruit a consultant psychiatrist for the team have so far been unsuccessful.
The service is currently providing assessments and treatment for those requiring specialist eating disorder supports, with clinical oversight remaining under referring CAMHS consultants until a specialist consultant is appointed.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor O’Donovan described the progress on CAMHS eating disorder services as “very, very positive”.
She said it was “brilliant” to see movement on the issue and welcomed the response provided by the HSE.
However, she said concerns remain around the absence of specialist adult eating disorder services in the Mid-West.
She highlighted “eating disorders don’t just finish when you turn 18,” she told the meeting, describing eating disorders as a lifelong issue requiring ongoing support.
Councillor O’Donovan said she had been contacted by people caring for those with eating disorders who were grateful some supports exist through community mental health services, but felt these services were not appropriately meeting people’s needs.
The HSE confirmed that the Mid-West has not yet received Department of Health approval to establish a dedicated Adult Eating Disorder Team.
At present, adult eating disorder services are delivered through existing Community Mental Health Teams.
Councillor O’Donovan asked that the issue of adult services be revisited at a future meeting.