Eating Disorder Programme

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Eating disorders

Regions

All of New Zealand

Age Groups

Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

GP, DHB clinical services

Referral Process

Referral is generally arranged through a health professional, often a general practitioner, counsellor/psychotherapist/psychologist or psychiatrist. Urgent referrals can be made by telephone, while less urgent referrals can be made via letter, email, or the website.

Access to our inpatient and day patient services differs, depending on how the prospective patient is to fund their treatment. Details of each main funding process can be found on our website. Funding types include:

• Private Paying Patients
• Ministry of Health
• Accident Compensation Corporation

Description

The Eating Disorder Programme, incorporated in the Gwen Wilson and Frank Hay units, specialises in the treatment of people with the whole range of eating disorders.

A registered dietitian, who is part of the Eating Disorder Team, works closely with both the clinical and kitchen staff to ensure the dietary needs of each patient are addressed.

Specific activities are provided to help patients address issues associated with their eating disorders e.g. shopping and cooking, and a psychoeducation group looks at issues including body image, nutrition etc. Individual and group time is spent exploring relevant issues through a variety of creative media.

Each person has an individual therapist. Group participation with people who have similar problems is a powerful and effective treatment method. A defined protocol guides weight restoration, and in combination with the programme and individual work, an environment is created for positive change.