The HSE spent over €12.7 million in three years to facilitate inpatient care for adults with an eating disorder through the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS).
Ireland has only three public inpatient beds for adults with an eating disorder. The beds at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, serve patients in its catchment area.
The 2018 Eating Disorder Services HSE Model of Care for Ireland proposed a further 20 adult inpatient beds. However, none have been opened to date. There are 20 dedicated beds within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
The HSE has established 11 out of 16 planned community teams under the model of care. However, while most people can be treated in community settings, some require more intensive treatment and inpatient care.
In 2022, the HSE spent over €3.1 million on facilitating inpatient care for adult patients through the TAS. The figure rose to more than €4.6 million in 2023 and over €4.9 million in 2024. The TAS was accessed by less than 10 adult patients during this period.
According to the Department of Health, 14 adults have accessed care for an eating disorder through the TAS since 2020. The HSE also funds access to specialist inpatient beds in private units. In addition, some patients are admitted to public medical beds in the absence of specialist beds.
See news feature: Eating disorder services: Charting the way forward – Medical Independent
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