Donate Now

Admissions
Criteria

Clinical referral guidelines for healthcare professionals

Wandi Nerida is Australia’s first residential eating disorder treatment centre, providing an evidence-based alternative when outpatient care or acute hospitalisation hasn’t been effective. Our 13-bed accredited private hospital fills the critical gap between community treatment and acute hospital care.

Referral pathway

Admission to Wandi Nerida is via referral from a treating GP or psychiatrist. We use a secure digital referral system through Consultmed for streamlined processing and real-time tracking.

Independent clinical and economic evaluations have demonstrated treatment success across mental and physical health measures.

Refer Your Patient

Diagnostic requirements

Age: From 15 years (Child Safe Organisation)

Primary DSM-5 diagnosis of:

  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

Medical stability parameters

Vital signs:

  • Systolic BP ≥90mmHg (≥80mmHg for adolescents)
  • Heart rate 50-100 bpm
  • No significant postural tachycardia or hypotension
  • No acute ECG changes

Physical requirements:

  • BMI >13.5 kg/m² (>75% IBW for adolescents)
  • Independent mobility
  • Electrolytes managed by oral treatment

Psychiatric criteria

Required:
  • Voluntary patient status (not subject to detention under Mental Health Act 2016)
  • Willing and able to consent to treatment
  • Residential treatment assessed as most appropriate mode of care
Exclusions:
  • Current significant self-harm or suicidal ideation
  • Active substance dependence

Dietary considerations

Most religious and cultural dietary requirements can be accommodated. Vegan dietary restrictions cannot be supported within our nutritional rehabilitation model.

Anaphylactic allergies are considered case-by-case following diagnostic testing and GP or physician consultation.

Participant acceptance

Admission is determined by clinical appropriateness rather than waiting list position alone. Factors considered include:

  • Clinical fit with current participant group
  • Therapeutic needs of the wider cohort
  • Individual's financial position (including eligibility for subsidised beds)
Learn About Our Model of Care

Program structure

Residential treatment typically runs 60-90 days, determined by individual progress. Our multi-disciplinary team provides:

  • Individual, group and family psychotherapy
  • Dietetic support and meal therapy
  • Medical care and 24-hour clinical support
  • Equine-assisted therapy, nature-based therapy, movement therapy, and art, music and drama therapy

Eight of our 13 beds are subsidised by the Queensland Government.

Questions about referrals?

Our clinical team can discuss patient suitability, admission criteria, or any questions about referring to Wandi Nerida.
Contact us
View frequently asked questions