Concerns raised over local eating disorder service gap in Limerick
Progress has been made on specialist services for under-18s, but no dedicated adult team has yet been approved for the Mid-West.
THE LACK of a dedicated adult eating disorder team in the Mid-West has been raised as a concern, despite progress being made on the development of specialist CAMHS eating disorder services in the region.
Limerick Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan raised the issue at the May meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid-West, where she sought an update on the establishment of specialist eating disorder services.
In a written response, Maria Bridgeman, IHA Manager with HSE Mid-West, confirmed that work is ongoing on the development of a Mid-West CAMHS Eating Disorder Team funded under Budget 2025. CAMHS provides services for people under 18.
She said 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, Ms Bridgeman 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, Cllr 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. However, she said concerns remain around the absence of specialist adult eating disorder services in the Mid-West.
“Eating disorders don’t just finish when you turn 18,” she told the meeting, describing eating disorders as a lifelong issue requiring ongoing support.
Ms Bridgeman 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 said people had told her they were “thankful there is some type of service” but felt these services were “not appropriately meeting their needs”.
Ms Bridgeman said the Mid-West Mental Health Service “looks forward to the development of an Adult Eating Disorder Team when approval for same becomes available.”