For Participants

Consideration for admission to Wandi Nerida is via referral by a treating GP or Psychiatrist using the referral form.

Wandi Nerida is a gender-inclusive service that accepts participants over the age of 16 from all states and territories in Australia. As a facility aimed at recovery from eating disorders, all prospective participants must have a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder as outlined in the eligibility criteria. All participants must be willing to participate in treatment and be able to consent to our treatment agreement. To actively engage in recovery-oriented work and stay healthy enough to take part in our rigorous treatment program, we require prospective participants to meet our BMI requirements.

We need our prospective participants to be medically stable, have no significant self-harm or active suicidal ideation and no active substance dependence. We can cater for cultural dietary requirements, but we do not accommodate veganism. Due to the topography of the Wandi Nerida location, participants need to be able to manage their mobility independently.

During your stay at Wandi Nerida, if you become concerned about changes in your condition or that of a loved one, please follow the REACH Guidelines for urgent escalation of concern by a participant/family/community member.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

  • The service is sex/gender inclusive.
  • Age >16 years. (Wandi Nerida is licensed for participants 14 years and above and an evaluation re admission age will take place in 2022)
  • Primary DSM-5 diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
  • Clients should be at a BMI of >13.5kg/m2 (>75%IBW for adolescents).
  • No significant self-harm/suicidal ideation.
  • Classified as a voluntary patient (not subject to detention under Mental Health Act 2016). Must be willing and able to consent to treatment.
  • Independent management of mobility.
  • No active substance dependence.
  • Residential treatment is assessed to be the most appropriate mode of treatment at the time).
  • Manageable dietary restrictions (No veganism but religious and/or cultural dietary considerations will be catered for). Anaphylactic allergies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Medically stable as evidenced by

Systolic BP 90mm (>80mm for adolescents) or above

Heart Rate >50 and <100 bpm

No significant postural tachycardia or hypotension

No acute ECG changes

Electrolytes managed by oral treatment

Participant Acceptance

Acceptance to the program and admission to Wandi Nerida will not only be based on an individuals’ eligibility or their position on the waiting list.

Factors which will be taken into consideration include:

The individual’s fit with the current milieu

The needs of the wider participant cohort

The number of places available to each state and territory will be equitable.

Prospective Participants

Access to Wandi Nerida is through direct referral from your treating GP/ Psychiatrist. We suggest you book a long appointment with your treating practitioners as the referral requires detailed information about your eating disorder, your current treatment and blood results. All referrals will be reviewed and processed in line with our referrals policy. The total process can take up to three weeks. You and your treating doctor will be kept up to date on the status of your referral and you may be contacted to complete the self assessment and provide further information as needed.

Prospective participants are required to review the participant handbook and sign the participant agreement prior to admission. The participant handbook contains detailed information about treatment here at Wandi Nerida and we encourage you to review this document with a support person to ensure it is the right method of treatment for you. All prospective participants will be granted an opportunity to apply for a Bursary to assist with the cost of your stay at Wandi Nerida. A bursary application form will be sent to you should your referral be accepted and you meet the eligibility criteria for treatment at Wandi Nerida. Bursary applications are assessed based on your financial means and information provided in your referral or self assessment will in no way affect your Bursary application. You will be notified of the outcome of your Bursary application before being offered a place at Wandi Nerida.

If you are accepted and placed on the waitlist our team will be in contact once we have a confirmed admission date to provide you with further admission details. On your day of admission you will be met by the Clinical Director and other Wandi Nerida staff who will help orient you to the facility. We understand that this would be an incredibly daunting step and are committed to helping participants settle in at Wandi Nerida.

On your day of admission you will be met by the Clinical Director and other Wandi Nerida staff who will help orient you to the facility. We understand that this would be an incredibly daunting step and are committed to helping participants settle in at Wandi Nerida.