Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to assist in improving support for people with eating disorders.
Minister of Health: Action 29d of the Mental Health Strategy 2021–2031 commits to enhancing regional eating disorder services.
A business case has been developed to strengthen the existing community-based, evidence-based model in line with NICE guidance, with the aim of improving access to intensive community and day treatment.
A Regional Clinical Lead, Social Care Lead and Project Manager for the Eating Disorder Managed Care Network were appointed in late 2024.
Launched in February 2026, the three-year Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan for the Eating Disorder Managed Care Network, provides a clear foundation for service improvement. It establishes robust regional governance, strengthens workforce capability through structured training and promotes consistent care pathways across all Trusts. The framework also supports workforce sustainability through supervision and reflective practice, enhances data-driven decision-making and embeds co-production with lived experience. In the absence of additional significant resource, the Implementation Plan (2025-2028) focuses on the short and medium term, low cost/ no cost actions.
While additional funding and staffing will be required to fully realise service expansion, the Eating Disorder Managed Care Network has positioned the region to implement these enhancements in a coordinated and efficient manner as resources become available.
ENDS
Your MLA 