$7m service to tackle body image, eating disorders in Qld

A new $7m program will be deployed in South East Queensland hot spots prone to an insidious mental and physical disorder.

Millions of dollars will be spent to boost body image and target risk factors for eating disorders.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has revealed a new $7m service will be run by West Moreton and Darling Downs hospital and health services and will be based at Ipswich Hospital

The program, set to roll out early next year, will focus on leading risk factors for developing eating disorders including poor body image and body dissatisfaction, through behavioural therapies and nutritional education.

West Moreton Health will deliver its service in partnership with Darling Downs Health, under the Regional Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Plan.

The new Ipswich service joins $40 million worth of funding for services already announced for Eating Disorders Queensland, Wandi Nerida, Metro South, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Hinterland, and Townsville Hospital and Health Services.

Ms Fentiman said it was part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to improve mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and support suicide prevention through the $1.645 billion Better Care Together plan.

“Since the pandemic, we have seen a rise in eating disorders across the state and we know we need to be doing more” she said.

“Our nearly $7 million investment ensures there will be services in the Ipswich region to help meet the needs of the community.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“I’m proud that our $1.645 billion Better Care Together plan is delivering for Queenslanders and providing mental health initiatives that support their overall health and wellbeing.

“Residents can be assured that the Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering services closer to home for our rural, remote, and regional communities.”

The Courier-Mail last month revealed six children were admitted to Queensland hospitals every day suffering from health complications related to an eating disorder.

Patients aged between 0-19 were admitted to public and private facilities 1304 times between January and July this year.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard has praised the cash injection into healthcare in the region.

“This is excellent news for the growing Ipswich community. Infrastructure initiatives such as these are instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our healthcare facilities for generations to come.

“The Palaszczuk government has made significant investments in the Ipswich community, including the recent opening of the Ripley Satellite Hospital and the ongoing second phase of the Ipswich Hospital Expansion.

“These endeavours have collectively amounted to over $1 billion in funding since my election in 2015, and I am sure there is more funding and projects to come.”

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum welcomed treatment being offered to patients close to home.

“People in West Moreton living with an eating disorder will be able to receive the care they need, closer to home,” he said.

“This investment is supported by our Mental Health Levy.”