New eating disorder unit will save lives, says father who lost daughter to anorexia

A newly announced eating disorder unit in St. John's will save the lives of young people in Newfoundland and Labrador, says a man who lost his daughter 12 years ago.

Renata would be alive today with this treatment program.- VinceWithers

Health and Community Services announced the new$700,000facility on Thursday, which will be housed in the Health Sciences Centre's psychiatric ward.

Vince Withers,chair of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador,lost his 27-year-old daughter Renatatoanorexianervosa in 2005. He's been pushing for more eating disorder support services in the province ever since.

"Renata would be alive today with this treatment program," he told CBC's Here & Now following Thursday's announcement.

"I think we will reduce the loss of life, if not eliminate the loss of life, with these various programs."

While there havebeen big improvements in services over the last few years, Withers said there was a big gap without anin-patient program.

He said such an intensive program means families will now be involved with the recovery of their loved ones, instead of having to send them to Ontario or only be able to visit them in the hospital's psychiatric ward.

Part of Thursday's announcement outlined thatalong with specialized beds for primary health care, there will be a therapeutic space for families.

"Eating disorders are a family issue. The most misunderstood part of an eating disorder is the impact it has on a family," Withers said.

"Having [the unit] here will allow families to participate with a family member on the full path torecovery, which can take up to five to seven years."

Holistic approach

New staff, including psychiatric nurses, a psychologist, a dietitian and a social worker, are expected to be hired this fall for the new centre, which government hopes to have open by the end of the year, if the tender process for work goes as hoped.

We are very hopeful that we've done what needs to be done to take care of each person.- VinceWithers

Withers said having an interdisciplinary team dedicated specifically to eating disorder treatment meansthe unit will also be able to provide a holistic approach to treating people, focusing on both primary health care andtheir underlying mental health and addiction issues.

"With 20 people totally dedicated to eating disorders, we are very hopeful that we've done what needs to be done to take care of each person who comes knocking on our door," he said.