WA Liberals to invest $33.5mill into eating disorder program, including facility at Fiona Stanley Hospital

The WA Liberals have committed to implementing a "comprehensive" $33.5million program to "improve outcomes for eating disorder patients", if they're elected into Government.

The plan will see a new eating disorder residential facility constructed at Fiona Stanley Hospital - where the party claims it is "most needed" - and a Telehealth service created for people in Western Australia's regions.

WA Liberals' leader Libby Mettam phoned into Youth Jam's Newsflash podcast and told Isaac Mulcrone that the announcement brings Western Australia up-to-speed with the remainder of the nation.

"In 2019 our former federal Liberal health minister Greg Hunt had announced $63million to fund six residential eating disorder facilities across Australia with funds put aside for WA's facility. Since that announcement every other state had progressed with a residential eating disorder facility. This is important. While the Cook-Labor Government did not take up that opportunity, we have and we have with this election commitment," Ms Mettam told listeners.

Ms Mettam believes it is "unacceptable" that West Aussie patients are having to travel interstate to seek treatment for eating disorders.

"I believe it is unacceptable that Western Australian patients are having to travel to other states to access this type of care," she told Isaac.

As part of the package eating disorder clinics and organisations will have access to a connected and comprehensive set of resources - including psychological, medical and nutritional support.

The package will also see funding put towards awareness, which Ms Mettam told Isaac is "vital".

"Early intervention is vital. The more that we're aware. Also taking away that stigma, as well, which can be associated with various mental health conditions. So it's about addressing the stigma issues but also ensuring that people feel comfortable speaking up, getting support and getting that right information as well," she said.
​
Ms Mettam also responded to those who call her First Nations flag stance as "divisive". Click play to hear more.