Six-bed specialist eating disorder unit proposed for Roscommon

A six-bed specialist in-patient eating disorder unit could soon be located in Roscommon.

Plans to significantly enhance local eating disorder services have been welcomed by Dr Martin Daly TD. The Roscommon Galway Fianna Fáil TD confirmed that the Department of Health intends to provide specialist inpatient eating disorder beds co-located with the planned new acute psychiatric unit at Roscommon University Hospital.

Dr Daly said he has had detailed discussions with the Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler, who has confirmed her commitment to the replacement of the existing psychiatric unit at Roscommon University Hospital and to advancing this project through the HSE capital plan.

He confirmed that it is the minister’s intention that a six-bed specialist inpatient eating disorder unit will be co-located with the new acute psychiatric unit as part of this replacement development.

“This is a very welcome and significant development for people living with eating disorders and for their families,” Dr Daly said. “There is a well-documented shortage of specialist inpatient eating disorder beds in Ireland, and the intention to provide a dedicated six-bed unit in Roscommon represents real progress in addressing that gap.” 

He also welcomed the separate announcement of funding for a Galway–Roscommon Community Adult Eating Disorder Team, which will provide specialist, community-based assessment and treatment closer to home.

Dr Daly noted that the announcements were made during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, highlighting the growing recognition of the seriousness of these illnesses and the urgent need for investment in specialist services.

“Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses with the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition,” he said. “Families across Roscommon and the wider region know the distress caused by long waiting times and the lack of appropriate inpatient care.”