Minister for Mental Health, Sarah Murphy, made a statement on improving access to eating disorder services in the Senedd in recognition of Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Beat’s National Lead for Wales, Jo Whitfield, said:
“Today’s announcement on the work being done to improve eating disorder services in Wales is good step forward, particularly the work being undertaken with health boards to agree a national early intervention eating disorder service specification.
“The government's ambition around early intervention is heartening, but we’re concerned that no details have been given around how it will work or how long it will take. We continue to hear through our Helpline that access to specialist treatment remains uneven across Wales and that families often struggle to secure vital care, even when their loved ones are incredibly unwell. Recovery is always possible, and early intervention gives people the best chance at it. These plans bring us closer to ensuring everyone in Wales can access the care when they need it, wherever they live.
“To make this a reality, it’s essential that the specification is backed by sufficient national investment, leadership and a clear plan which includes timescales for how it will work. Work must be undertaken quickly to support health boards in meeting the minimum service standards set out in this specification, but also to exceed them - and fully deliver the vision outlined in the 2018 Welsh Eating Disorder Service Review. We look forward to collaborating with Welsh Government and the NHS to support this key work, and to seeing improvements in access, waiting times and patient experience.”