Model of Care for People with Eating Disorders

Implementation of the NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2013-2018 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

Summary 

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is establishing a model of care for people with eating disorders, in line with Stage 1 implementation of the NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2013-2018. 

Aim

To implement Stage 1 of the NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2013-2018 in ISLHD.

Benefits

Improved consumer experience through safer, more responsive, timely and accessible service provision for people with eating disorders in ISLHD.

Project Status

Project status: Implementation - the initiative is ready for implementation, is currently being implemented, piloted or tested.

Project dates

• July 2014: Scoping paper for project sign-off by ISLHD Executive
• August 2014: First meeting of project committee
• October 2014: Eating Disorders Forum
• December 2014 to January 2015: Establishment of working groups
• 30 January 2015: Working groups provide final report for development of Local Service Plan
• 2015-16: Tentative plans to follow-up on Eating Disorders Forum.
  

Background

NSW Health released the NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2013-2018, in 2013. ISLHD is expected to establish a model of care, in line with Stage 1 implementation of the Statewide Service Plan.

Implementation

Project leaders developed an initial scoping paper and, after obtaining Executive agreement in July 2014, an Eating Disorder Project Committee was set up to look at issues around workforce, access and linkages.

Presentations were made to relevant peak bodies within ISLHD to make them aware of the initiative. An invitation-only forum was organised, with the aim of identifying gaps and strengths within the region, in the area of eating disorders. A patient journey methodology was used to elicit solutions and ideas, including World-Café style interaction. An analysis of solutions and ideas revealed the following grouped themes:

• early identification
• building capacity
• access to information
• improving shared care.

Based on the above feedback, the project committee set up three working groups: the Strategic Service Development Group; Policies and Protocols Group; and Workforce Development Group. The working groups have provided a final report and proposed action plan to the Eating Disorder Project Committee in relation to further development and implementation of the Local Service Plan. The Local Service Plan working groups will be the driver for continued implementation of Stage 1 of the Statewide Service Plan.

Partnerships

• Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders
• Medicare Local

Lessons Learnt

It was instructive to witness and experience the remarkably high level of passion on the issue of eating disorders, demonstrated by the community at the forum held in October 2014. The importance of networking amongst a group of clinicians, professionals, consumers and family/carers from across the district was also evident and an important learning for the team.

References 

NSW Ministry of Health. 2013. NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders (2013-2018) (opens in new window).

Contacts

Ms Paula Hakesley
Director of Mental Health Services
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Phone: 02 4254 1600
Email: Paula.Hakesley@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Dr Rajiv Singh
Clinical Director, Child and Youth Mental Health Service
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Phone: 02 4254 1600
Email: Rajiv.Singh@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au