Question Time

Statewide Eating Disorder Service

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding health care.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Today, InDaily reports comments from international expert Professor Tracey Wade regarding the government's statewide paediatric eating disorder service. I quote:

The input of the consumer was not incorporated well enough into the final model of care.

And:

…when you look at the model of care which has three components to it, it seems to have actually not just ignored that request but actually moved in an almost opposite direction.

Further, the model of care has, and I quote, 'created extra risk in terms of helping people manage transitions'. My questions to the minister are:

1. Given the comments from a globally renowned expert, how can the government defend the decisions that have been taken in this area?

2. Is the government now ignoring expert health advice after spending the past 12 months assuring us it follows it?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:26): The responsibility for the Statewide Eating Disorder Service has been a matter which is part of my responsibilities, as it has been referred to me for decision-making. The model of care and the governance structure has been determined after a significant amount of work by the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and the Women's and Children's Health Network.

There has been a range of meetings to come together with stakeholders from both of those organisations, as well as with people with lived experience, to determine these models going forward. I am very pleased with the progress that we have made. Once the determination was made in relation to both the model of care and the governance structure, that has since been communicated back to stakeholders. We are looking forward to making further announcements about the continuing rollout of this service as time goes on.