Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has said that the further delays in the long-awaited eating disorder service in Mount Carmel Hospital are unacceptable.

The facility was due to open in late 2021 before being initially delayed until June 2022, and then again until early 2023, and then again until quarter 4 2023.  

Teachta Ward has received a response from the HSE to say the facility will now not be open until the end of June of 2024 at the earliest.

Teachta Ward said:

“Mount Carmel Hospital eating disorder services will not be operational until the end of June of this year at the earliest, nearly 3 years since the original target date.

“This shows a real lack of urgency by this Government to address the lack of service faced by people suffering from Eating Disorders.

“The most recent response I received is another example of Government not delivering on time. A 3 year delay is unacceptable.

“We have heard from Bodywhys that the amount of people presenting for treatment with eating disorders has increased over the last few years.

“It was reported last year that a decision was made to construct a separate CAMHS eating disorder unit within the footprint of the building.

“This a welcome addition, but it should not have led to delayal of the opening of the adult services.

“The Government and the HSE have still not reopened the 11 CAMHS beds that were closed in Linn Dara two year ago.

“The Government did not allocate additional funding to the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders for the second year in a row.

“All we are getting from this Government is delays and disappointments when it comes to eating disorders.

“The Minister needs to give answers if there will be cost overruns in Mount Carmel and give assurances that the facility will open to patients as soon as possible.”