National MP Jackie Blue says it is far from satisfactory that some patients with anorexia nervosa are being sent to Australia for treatment.
Since December 2006, Auckland's three district health boards have sent six patients suffering from anorexia to Australia for treatment at an average cost of $70,000a patient, Dr Blue said.
The cost of treatment for one 13-year-old girl was $82,845. She went to the Specialist Child Eating Disorder Service at Children's Hospital Westmead, near Sydney.
In a letter to Dr Blue, Auckland DHB chief executive Garry Smith said the girl was doing "very well" and was back in New Zealand.
The patients were sent to Sydney for specialist inpatient treatment and were outpatients with the Auckland Eating Disorders Service on their return.
The other five patients ranged in age from 14 to 18 years.
Dr Blue said it was "far from satisfactory" to have anorexia patients treated in Australia.
"It is hugely disruptive for families and recovery, as the patient can be away for up to five months at a time ."
