The HSE is proposing to establish treatment hubs in Galway and Sligo for people with eating disorders.

The Irish Times reports that a new model of care has been launched for the treatment of eating disorders.

As part of the HSE plan, adult and child eating disorder teams will be established who will develop hubs throughout the country, to deliver in-patient and out-patient services.

The proposed hub locations include Galway, Cork and Dublin with “mini-hubs” in Sligo, Cavan, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford.

Eating disorders affect up to 5 per cent of the population and anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all of the mental health conditions.

The HSE said the model of care is “a blueprint for how services for patients with eating disorders will be developed and continuously improved nationally”. It sets out for faster access to assessment and early intervention, with more access to clinicians with specialist training in eating disorders.

A four-year implementation plan has been approved to allow for phased recruitment and training.