Over 80 per cent of carers of people with eating disorders say public healthcare clinicians lack the training to treat the conditions according to a survey from Caring and Recovering from Eating Disorders (CARED) Ireland.
A lack of adequate treatment is causing sufferers to feel misunderstood, abandoned, isolated and lost the group has warned, with 42 per cent of carers being forced to cover the cost of treatment.
The survey also revealed 69 per cent were not satisfied with the overall service provided for ED patients in the public health system and over half of carers (52 per cent) said Covid-19 has worsened the severity of the illness for sufferers.
"Research shows that most people can and do recover from eating disorders if they get effective, evidence-based treatment from ED-trained staff,” said Susan Brennan of CARED Ireland.
"Yet those suffering continue to be met with a lack of specialist clinicians equipped to understand and deal with eating disorders.
"Early intervention has also proven crucial to recovery, yet waiting lists are growing and the incidence of relapse worsens every week. The longer a sufferer is left without specialist help the more entrenched the eating disorder can become."
The group highlight the commitment made by the HSE in 2018 to establish 16 specialist hubs around the country over five years. However, a delay has meant the expected completion date has now been pushed back to 2025.
Where is the sense of urgency for an illness that has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder?
Figures from the HSE show no money was spent on improving ED supports and treatments in 2020, while just 3 per cent of the HSE's allocation for ED services has been spent in this regard since 2018.
"As the HSE kicks the can down the road once again, thousands of families across Ireland continue to suffer under the huge strain and distress of managing this life-threatening condition to be met with wholly inadequate treatment and support," Ms Brennan said.
"In response to the delayed rollout of these specialist hubs, the HSE said it ‘hopes’ to add two to three teams each year over the next five years. We don’t need another ‘wait-and-hope’ strategy. We need a concrete plan.
"Where is the sense of urgency for an illness that has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder? It is time for the State to finally step up to this serious issue and fulfil the duty of care it is morally bound to provide," she added.
If you require more information or support regarding eating disorders, visit bodywhys.ie.
