Trust contracted for eating disorders service

A trust has been contracted to set up a regional eating disorders service for people in the top half of the North Island.

The Government announced the move some time ago and Health Minister Tony Ryall today said Auckland District Health Board had contracted Challenge Trust to establish a day clinic and residential treatment facility by the end of the year.

"The new services are the result of an extra $26 million funding this government announced last year to improve eating disorder services nationwide," Mr Ryall said.

There was very little inpatient or residential care for people seriously ill with eating disorders in the northern region and many had to go to Australia for treatment.

Starship hospital now has five new dedicated beds for under 15-year-olds with eating disorders as part of the extra funding.

The new facility will eventually include up to nine residential beds available for adolescents and adults and will provide a home-like environment for patients, where they can spend time with their families.

Patients from Northern and Midland region DHBs will be able to use these services.

- NZPA