Suitability criteria

The following criteria provides guidance to you and your current treating care team on whether Ngamai Wilam is a suitable treatment option.

Ngamai Wilam can provide care for people who:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Of all genders
  • Have a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder
  • Meet the psychiatric suitability criteria for Ngamai Wilam
  • Have actively engaged with appropriate treatment options in their local area but require additional support
  • Are medically stable and psychologically motivated to work on recovery
  • Have Medicare cover

Voluntary participation

  • The program is voluntary. Participants should be motivated to engage with the program. The program is full-time and requires participants to be present 7-days a week for the full 4-12 weeks
  • While participant’s goals may differ, participants are expected to attend the group program, engage in prescribed meal plans for the 3 meals and 3 snacks times (including use of oral supplementation when required) and engage in meal support
  • Participants will have regular medical monitoring including physical examination, weight checks and occasional blood and/or urinalysis as required
  • The program is based around participants’ individual goals. Participants must be able to identify areas of their life that they would like to see improvements in and be open to, in a supported environment, trying to make change
  • Participants must be able to consent to treatment. They must be classified as a voluntary patient under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022
What does “medically unstable” for Ngamai Wilam mean?
  • BMI below 14, with exceptions for individuals with enduring eating disorders - considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Nasogastric feeding
  • Haemodynamic instability characterised by:
    • Systolic blood pressure 20mmHg systolic or >10mmHg diastolic
    • Resting heart rate 100bpm
    • Postural tachycardia >20bpm
    • Significant ECG changes
  • Significant metabolic, haematological or electrolyte derangements.
  • At high (or significant) risk of developing refeeding syndrome

Abbreviations explained

  • BGL – Blood glucose level
  • BMI – Body mass index
  • BP – Blood pressure
  • bpm – beats per minute
  • CMP – calcium, magnesium, phosphate
  • ECG – electrocardiogram
Psychiatric suitability criteria
  • Willingness to engage in strategies aimed at reducing physical and psychological risks associated with self-harm behaviours as well as working towards recovery
  • No active or recent suicidal planning or intent
  • No active drug or alcohol use or dependence. The program is a drug and alcohol-free space.

If you are unsure whether Ngamai Wilam is the right service for you, we encourage you to reach out. We are happy to discuss your needs and explore the best options for your care.

Dietary options at Ngamai Wilam

At Ngamai Wilam, we recognise the importance of providing meals that are safe, nourishing, and culturally and personally respectful. At this time, we are not yet able to cater for individuals who follow a vegan diet.

We appreciate your understanding and are happy to discuss individual dietary needs as part of our intake process.

Referral for the Ngamai Wilam Program

If you and your GP can provide the above eligibility documentation, please complete a referral form.