There are plans to triple the number of specialist staff working in Ireland’s eating disorder treatment centres.
Waterford Minister of state for mental health Mary Butler says the government plans to open three new specialist hubs this year, hiring almost 50 staff.
"We will have six teams in place in 2021 and the aim is to have two to three teams in place for the next three years.
I am stating categorically that the recruitment process is in place, and recruitment has already started," Minister Butler said.
Currently, there are just 23 people working across three centres and Consultant psychiatrist Caroline Maher says the move will make a massive difference to those suffering.
"Instead of having to go into hospital many people will be able to be managed in day services. It will also mean that people who have to go into hospital for a period of time can be discharged earlier and will be going to a facility that could meet their needs.
"We don't really have any of those facilities in the country as it stands so it will have a significant effect," Maher said.
