Eating disorders - referrals & consultation

A referral for assessment and treatment is required to access the Provincial Adult Tertiary & Specialized Eating Disorders (PATSED) Program at St. Paul’s Hospital. Referrals are received from a secondary eating disorder program within the province. If there is no secondary program available, mental health teams or community care providers can provide referrals. For referral inquiries, individuals can contact the Intake Coordinator at 604-806-8654. 

The general referral criteria for the Eating Disorders Program are as follows: 

• A primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)
• Followed by a primary care provider ie. family doctor/ nurse practitioner
• Followed by or waitlisted at a secondary eating disorders program where available. In the absence of a secondary eating disorders program, individual is followed by mental health teams, and/or other secondary service community care providers
• Resident of BC (some exceptions may apply)
• 17 years of age (out of high school) or older 

We provide interdisciplinary provincial consultation to health care professionals regardless of whether the patient is receiving tertiary level of care services. The purpose of clinical consultation is to provide clinical advice to health care providers caring for individuals with a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ages 17 years and older). This service supports individuals receiving care closer to home.  It also promotes continuity of care between specialized services and regional/community health care providers.