The Illawarra's specialised eating disorder treatment service is putting on three new staff, amid a sharp increase in the number people seeking treatment across the state.
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The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said it was recruiting three new staff to work in its Eating Disorders Service (EDS) in Wollongong and Nowra amid an increase in eating disorder presentations to hospitals.
The ISLHD Eating Disorders Service (EDS) is a specialised service that offers tertiary, outpatient treatment to adults and children aged 12 and over who suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders, and support their families.
The service provides both psychological and dietetic intervention specific to the treatment of eating disorders, and offers assessments, ongoing individual counselling, nutrition counselling, support for sufferers and carers, information about eating disorders, and community activities to promote healthy body image.
All clients need to be assessed by their doctor and access to the service is via referral to the ISLHD Mental Health Service.
A spokeswoman for ISLHD said it could not provide figures on how many people were undergoing treatment in the area, however, NSW Health advised that more than 1600 people seek care from a NSW hospital, mental health service or emergency department for an eating disorder every quarter.
ISLHD acting executive director - mental health Julie Carter said the health district was committed to ensuring people living with eating disorders had access to appropriate support and treatment options.
"ISLHD operates two specialist outpatient eating disorder teams to support people aged 12 years and over living an eating disorder, in partnership with their families, carers and nominated GP," Ms Carter said.
She said the Illawarra Eating Disorder Service is staffed by a full-time psychologist, two part-time psychologists, a full-time dietitian and two part-time dietitians. The service covers Helensburgh to Gerringong.
The Shoalhaven Eating Behaviours Service is staffed by two part-time psychologists and a part-time dietitian, and covers Gerroa to North Durras.
"The district is currently recruiting a part-time psychiatrist and has appointed a part-time clinical nurse specialist to work across these two services," she said.
"A newly funded full-time position in the district, the eating disorder coordinator, will play a critical role in supporting the district's teams (across health and mental health services) to support this model of care, by providing clinical advice on treatment plans and referral pathways."
Ms Carter said the recently-launched NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2021-25 aimed to foster a culture of early detection and treatment across NSW Health.
"At a practical level, staff are supported to recognise the signs that someone is living with an eating disorder and, crucially, know where to refer them for appropriate assessment and treatment," she said.
"People with eating disorders can be admitted to a local mental health unit or medical ward as determined by their clinical need.
"If clinically required, people can also be referred to tertiary specialist inpatient beds and outpatient programs at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Westmead Children's Hospital."
A ISLHD spokeswoman said that in line with an increase in eating disorder presentations to hospitals, NSW Health recently announced an additional $16.5 million in funding over four years to increase frontline workforce capacity.
It will also allow the Butterfly Foundation to admit NSW residents into its national eating disorders centre at Wandi Nerida, Queensland.
It comes as a peer-reviewed study by Flinders University, The Australian National University and Monash University examined the efficiency and availability of treatment options in Australia for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
Flinders University Distinguished Professor of Psychology Tracey Wade said rising eating disorder rates was resulting in increased demand for services, which in turn creates a need for smarter tailored service provision such as a South Australian 'Day Program' model that offers intensive daily treatment but no overnight admissions.
This is similar to the program offered by ISLHD.
Professor Wade, who co-authored another study in Nutrients, said improving the quality of targeted services was more important than providing more general services.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows there has been a significant increase in overnight hospital admissions for anorexia nervosa in females aged 15 to 29 over the past 20 years.
Where to get help
If someone's life is in danger, call Triple-0.
If you need crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Children and young people can ring Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au.
For non-crisis support, talk to your GP or other trusted health or mental health professional.
You can also call Beyond Blue for mental health advice and support on 1300 224 636.
The Butterfly Foundation charity provides support for people suffering from eating disorders, their family and their friends through its national helpline,1800 33 4673.
If you need a referral to specialist mental health support, call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
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Merryn Porter
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
