Mum urges ministers to back struggle
Campaign to raise awareness about condition
A CONCERNED mum is calling on the Scottish Executive to back a campaign that aims to get better treatment for babies with 'flat head syndrome'.
Sharon Moreland has joined a group of parents fighting to raise public awareness of plagiocephaly, a condition which causes an infant's skull to flatten on one side.
Plagiocephaly Care UK has called for babies to be screened for the condition and for specially fitted helmets, which reshape the baby's head, to be made available free on the NHS.
The Moodiesburn mum noticed her son Aiden's head was deformed when he was just eight-weeks-old, but was told by her GP that it was normal.
It was only after Sharon took on private healthcare that Aiden was diagnosed with plagiocephaly.
The youngsters had to be taken to a clinic in Leeds for treatment and Sharon had to pay nearly 2,000 for the special helmet.
She said: "If doctors and health staff tell people about this treatment, instead of just saying it will grow out, then we will have made a huge difference.
"Aiden has had his helmet for seven months and there has been a 50 per cent improvement already.
"There are only two NHS hospitals that make these helmets. We see no reason why they can't do the same all over the country.
"Parents of children with plagiocephaly are being led to believe that their child's head is normal, but they are then growing up with deformities and other serious health problems."
A petition launched by the group is due to be discussed by Scottish ministers next month.
A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said: "We realise that this condition is distressing for parents.
"It may be reassuring to know that the majority of cases resolve themselves without the need for any treatment at all.
"For the rest, physical therapy and repositioning advice are available from the NHS.
"We have produced a leaflet which advises parents on the steps that can be taken to help babies avoid developing this condition."
More information on the condition is available at:
www.plagiocephaly.org.uk
alistair.mackay@kirkyherald.co.uk
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Thursday 24 May 2012
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