Official Opening of Riverside House Community Eating Disorder Services

A new centre for specialist eating disorder care in Dublin South and Wicklow for children, adolescents and adults

Riverside House Community Eating Disorder Services, a new hub for specialist community mental health services for children, adolescents and people with eating disorders in the Dublin South and Wicklow health area was officially opened today (Thursday, 16 October 2025) by Mary Butler, T.D., Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health.

A joint HSE and St. John of God Community Mental Health purpose-built clinical facility, Riverside House Community Eating Disorders Services consolidates and expands on existing multi-disciplinary services and provides a co-location for two specialist outpatient teams for children, adolescents and adults experiencing eating disorders.

The Adult Eating Disorder Team was previously based at St Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH) and the more recently developed Child & Adolescent Eating Disorder Team was based at Lucena Clinic, Rathgar. At Riverside, the two teams will deliver evidence-based, specialist interventions within a stepped model of care, ensuring patients receive the right level of care and treatment at the right time.

The teams based at Riverside House Community Eating Disorder Services are part of the network of eating disorder teams recommended by the HSE Model of Care for Eating Disorder Services. They have the key aim to provide safe, accessible and quality eating disorder services leading to better clinical outcomes and recovery for service users.

Speaking at the launch, Mary Butler, T.D., Minister for Mental Health, said: “I’m proud to open Riverside House, a new specialist eating disorder care hub for the people of Dublin South and Wicklow. This state-of-the-art centre has been developed with an investment of €5m from the capital mental health budget, and it will provide a modern space in the community for children and adults to receive support.

“This is such an important facility, and a flagship for our developing national network of eating disorders services. Riverside brings together community teams, the new intensive day programme, and specialist beds at St. Vincents Hospital.

“I believe the new day programme represents huge progress for our eating disorder services, as it offers a viable and effective alternative to inpatient care.

“This investment reflects my strong commitment to early intervention and expanding access to specialist community services, ensuring people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“Since I became Minister, we have grown the clinical programme for eating disorders from one team to 14 now funded, with over 100 dedicated clinicians providing care around the country. Last week, I funded a further two teams, one for adults and one for children, bringing our total investment in clinical staffing for the programme to over €11m annually.”

Key developments include:

• Specialist Interventions: A range of evidence-based treatments, including specialist individual, family and group interventions are available at this co-located service, which fosters a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.
• Eating Disorder Day Programme for Adults: This new service provides intensive, structured treatment for individuals with severe eating disorders. It functions as a vital "step-up" from routine outpatient care and, crucially, as a "step-down" for those leaving inpatient treatment.
• A lifespan approach (CAMHS to Adult Services): By having child, adolescent, and adult services together, Riverside House will manage the critical transition from CAMHS to adult services. This integrated approach helps prevent patients from disengaging from treatment during a traditionally vulnerable period, ensuring continuity of care and improving long-term outcomes.

Dr Michelle Clifford, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Team and National Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders, HSE, said: “Young people and families have warmly welcomed our move to Riverside House. This new clinical base will strengthen our capacity to provide early evidence-based support and care for children and adolescents experiencing eating disorders.”

Dr Art Malone, Consultant Psychiatrist, Adult Eating Disorder team, Clinical Lead for Adult Eating Disorders, HSE Dublin South and Wicklow said: Riverside House serves as a powerful metaphor for recovery, demonstrating that what was once broken can be rebuilt, just as eating disorder recovery is possible with the right commitment and expertise. This new building will allow for the expansion of eating disorder services and as a growing centre of excellence.

Concluding, Aisling Heffernan, IHA Manager, Dublin South and Wicklow, added. “Riverside House is more than a new building. It’s a vital new resource that will transform treatment for people with eating disorders in our health area. It demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred health care that is aligned with national clinical strategy. I am confident that this new service will lead to significant improved outcomes for our service users and their families.”

The design of Riverside House Community Eating Disorder Services involved the restoration of a historic building, creating a unique space that blends retained period features with modern, purpose-built clinical facilities. This approach ensures that a safe, non-clinical and welcoming environment is provided while respecting the site’s heritage in a state-of-the-art service.