Written question WQ98871

I am committed to improve support for eating disorders in Wales. The Strategic Programme for Mental Health, within NHS Performance and Improvement, has set up a dedicated Community of Practice for Eating Disorders that includes clinicians, service users and carers, and the third sector. These work together and with researchers in developing service pathways and creating advice and guidance such as the development of ”An Introduction to Eating Disorders (Tier 1 Foundation) Course” for clinicians through the Ty Dysgu NHS learning portal.

Furthermore, our eating disorder teams have established pathways with local paediatric, school health nursing, general practice, dietetic and weight management services. They provide training opportunities to ensure professionals (including social, education and youth service staff) involved in supporting children and young people with eating disorder are able to provide the most up to date, evidence based, safe services. Specialist CAMHS alongside paediatrics also provide dietetic support and nutritional rehabilitation.

The service transformation set out in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy applies to all mental health services, including for eating disorders. The Strategic Programme for Mental Health has established a patient safety programme with a focus on improving care in inpatient environments. NHS P&I is also establishing a research network alongside the Strategic Programme to ensure service improvements are led by evidence.

As part of work to develop the open access mental health model the Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) together with partners will continue to work on the feasibility of providing intensive day treatment services. We expect the outcome of this work later this Autumn.