Earlier diagnosis, improved evidence-based treatment and ongoing support during recovery for people living with an eating disorder will be the focus of a new collaborative partnership between NSW researchers.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies and Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt today launched the InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders and announced it would be home for the NSW research team and the first national research hub dedicated to eating disorders.

“The Institute’s renewed research agenda is really exciting. We’ve worked closely with the Institute since 2013 to deliver the country’s first dedicated Service Plan for Eating Disorders and it’s been a game-changer for improving the care we provide patients and families.”

“Today’s announcement complements the NSW Government’s commitment to improving access to evidence-based care for people with eating disorders,” Mrs Davies said.

The NSW Government has committed more than $400,000 per year to the Institute for the continued implementation of the NSW Service Plan for Eating Disorders, which includes specialist training for frontline staff and workforce development. An additional $1.2 million has also funded ongoing projects.

The Institute, formerly known as the Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders, is a collaboration between Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney.

Mr Hunt expressed support for the Institute and its commitment to helping the more than one million Australians living with an eating disorder.

“Bringing eating disorders out of the dark and into the light of public discourse is essential to drive change and I applaud the InsideOut Institute’s mission to further transform the Australian treatment landscape for eating disorders,” Mr Hunt said.

Institute Director Dr Sarah Maguire said today’s launch at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre was an important step in driving forward a national research agenda for eating disorders.

“Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness – fortunately, they are

solvable. Our research work will explore innovative treatments and better ways to intervene with early intervention,” she said.

The NSW Government’s total investment in services for people living with an eating disorder in 2017- 18 is $5.8 million.

If you or someone you know needs help contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, for crisis support phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.