"Future Directions for Eating Disorders in New Zealand", informed by engagement with key stakeholders, proposes a tiered model for the provision of eating disorders services. The Ministry of Health anticipates that District Health Boards will use this document to help guide planning for, and implementation of, improvements in the provision of eating disorders services.
Purpose
This document proposes a tiered service model and principles to address the gaps in service provision and build an integrated eating disorders sector. Key areas for action include:
- increasing the number and widening the range of services
- establishing tertiary eating disorders services
- supporting seamless service delivery, easy transitions between services and continuity of care by providing:
- each service user referred to a secondary service with a designated care co-ordinator
- at least one designated eating disorders liaison person in each DHB (or appropriate group of DHBs)
- building a workforce in primary, secondary and tertiary services with:
- the skills and experience to deliver effective services to people with an eating disorder
- a culture that promotes service user participation and leadership
- a culture that involves family/whānau in treatment and recovery.