Treatment push for juvenile eating disorders in South

RESOURCES and facilities for treating juvenile eating disorders are limited and should be improved, the Eating Disorders Association says. On Saturday, the Otago Daily

highlighted the plight of Kurow woman Sarah Rowland, who has had to move to Auckland to get her 14yearold daughter in to one of only six beds nationally offered for specialist treatment of children with eating disorders.

Ms Rowland has started a petition calling for treatment of paediatric eating disorders to be offered in the soon to be rebuilt Dunedin Hospital — more than 5300 people have signed it so far.

‘‘We need more services throughout the country,’’ EDANZ chairwoman Nicki Wilson said.

‘‘They are stretched and resources, facilities, and access to treatment is limited — we would love people to have easier access than they currently have, as waiting lists are long.’’

Ms Wilson also backed Ms Rowland’s call for clinicians to receive more and better training on how to recognise and treat eating disorders.

‘‘Eating disorders are complicated and difficult, and this is an issue worldwide,’’ Ms Wilson said.

Meanwhile, Ms Rowland has urged the Government to follow in Australia’s footsteps and boost funding for eating disorder treatment and research.

On Sunday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $A115 million ($NZ121 million) package for treatment and research of eating disorders, saying the funding would create a comprehensive treatment plan for the estimated 1 million Australians with an eating disorder.

‘‘I don’t know of any other country which has made such a significant effort as this — it is historic,’’ Ms Rowland said.

‘‘It is time for New Zealand to take note and make urgent immediate changes.’’

A spokesman for Health Min ister David Clark said he was unaware of plans for a similar funding package in New Zealand.

Eating disorders were one of the issues considered by the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, which reported back last week.

The Government will make its formal response to the inquiry’s 40 recommendations — which included improving access to services and expanding the range of available services — in March.

Ms Wilson said EDANZ welcomed the inquiry findings, saying: ‘‘. . . we are delighted that so much of their report echoes issues that we raised.’’