Written - Availability and Access to Treatment for Eating Disorders

A range of services is available from primary care provided by GPs to those provided by local voluntary organisations to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for specialist psychiatric support. Services provided are dependent on the severity of the condition.

Health Commission Wales (HCW) is planning to commence public consultation on plans to develop a new CAMHS in-patient service in Bridgend in May 2007. The proposals plan for an interim solution in upgraded accommodation at Glanrhyd which will be available in spring 2008 whilst a permanent facility is purpose built on the Princess of Wales Hospital site in 2010.

HCW is currently working closely with Trusts to develop proposals for alternatives to inpatient treatment, such as specialist outreach teams and day-care facilities to support more patients at home, manage demand and ensure that only those patients requiring tertiary in-patient services need to travel to such centres.

HCW is reviewing the future demand for inpatient beds for patients in the light of recent reduction in admissions and plans to develop stronger community orientated services. The outcome of this review will inform the beds commissioned in the proposed new CAMHS and Eating Disorder Unit at Glanrhyd.