London Health Sciences Centre has significantly decreased the wait list for those seeking its Adult Eating Disorder Service (AEDS).
A release from LHSC shows that the number of patients on the wait list dropped by about 90 per cent between August 2025 and November 2025, with only 31 patients still awaiting care. This follows the implementation of its outpatient model last year that is “better able to meet the needs” of patients, said the release.
The improved figures have been announced during Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 1 – Feb. 7), a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of eating disorders and the health care challenges associated with them.
The original model of both residential and outpatient programs has been changed to only involve outpatient work. Dr. Hiba Rahman, psychiatrist at LHSC, said in a statement that “ [t]he residential program was not providing the significant outcomes we were working towards, with many patients returning to the program shortly after discharge.”
The funding used for the residential program has been re-allocated to support the outpatient model.
“We were able to hire four more social workers and a nurse practitioner to our team,” said a statement from Tammy Fisher, Director of Adult Mental Health and Addictions at LHSC.
“This means we have been able to see more patients in a timely manner and are able to get to those on the wait list sooner.”
The AEDS outpatient model supports individuals from across the province, even as far as Ottawa, to go be assessed and matched with a therapist. Patients of the AEDS see a variety of health care professionals including dieticians, nurse practitioners, therapists, and psychiatrists.
“This service is designed to empower patients by teaching strategies they can use to manage life challenges and stressors. Our focus is on supporting individuals as they learn these strategies and apply them in ways that improve their daily lives and overall well-being,” said Fisher.
Therapies used in its AEDS target several kinds of disorders, including anorexia nervosa, binge eating, bulimia nervosa, and avoidant/restrictive food intake.
“We will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our processes and procedures and include feedback from patients and staff as we keep evolving the program,” said Fisher.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, information is available here.
