Mum’s call for NHS help

May 17 2006 Ayrshire Post

A YOUNG mum travelled to the Scottish Parliament to present a petition calling for the recognition of a condition that affects her son.

Dawn Telfer, of Coylton, was one of almost 13,000 parents who put pen to paper to urge health bosses to offer free treatment for Plagiocephaly, flat head syndrome.

Ayr MSP John Scott also made the trip with the Coylton mum.

Mr Scott said: “Plagiocephaly is a condition which unfortunately appears to have become more common over recent years and I know from speaking to local families who are affected by it that it can be a distressing experience, particularly since no help is available on the NHS.

He went on: “The parents who petitioned the Scottish Parliament are trying to get this changed and I was glad to be able to offer my support for their campaign.”

Dawn had to cough up £2000 for private treatment to get one-year-old Christopher fitted with a specially made helmet to ease his condition.

If the condition goes untreated it can effect the child’s facial, ear and jaw symmetry and lead to dental and speech problems.

Mr Scott went on: “They want to ensure that babies are evaluated at birth and at six weeks for the condition.

“They also want appropriate literature to be given to parents when their babies are born and for treatment of the condition, including the re-moulding helmet treatment, to be provided free of charge on the NHS.”