A promised residential eating disorder clinic won't be finished until 2023, says the state government.
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The, $10 million 2019 election promise, is expected to provide increased access to specialist services for people living with acute eating disorders.
But concerns remain around the proposed time frame and the lack of existing services to meet demand in the interim.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the centre is expected to be completed in 2023.
When asked what is being done to improve access to services he pointed to an existing $400,000 investment in a program run by the Butterfly Foundation.
He said the residential facility would provide services and help boost community understanding of eating disorders.
"This new facility will provide specialist care to people of all ages experiencing eating disorders through inpatient best practice treatment programs, and will help advance the way eating disorders are diagnosed and treated through training, education and advocacy," Mr Rockcliff said.
Butterfly provide a recovery support service for people living with eating disorders and their carers in Hobart.
The funding also allows for the training of 500 GPs to allow them to better diagnose and treat eating disorders.
InsideOut Institute for eating disorders at the University of Sydney director Dr Sarah Maguire said the residential clinic would play an important role in the Tasmanian system but more needed to be done.
"The Tasmanian government is to be commended on their funding of a [recovery] support program and very importantly training for GPs," she said.
"As all government's know residential care and hospital-based care are just one part of the treatment puzzle.
"They only cater for the most unwell and the vast majority of people with eating disorders will fall outside of that small spectrum."
Greens heath spokesperson Rosalie Woodruff said more needed to be done for people living with eating disorders.
She said the proposed timeline was too long.
"This was a liberal party election promise before last years federal election and kicking it off till 2023 ... would be dishonest," Dr Woodruff said.
"It is also potentially harmful for people who have and who are currently suffering waiting to have that expert help," Dr Woodruff said.
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Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
