3 days ago
Blackwood mum calls for free ‘helmet therapy' on NHS
29-year-old mum of two Bethan Smith has created a petition called 'Fund Helmet Therapy on the NHS for Babies.'
Bethan's two young boys four-year-old Owen and 8-month-old Macsen were both born with flat head syndrome meaning they've had to undergo corrective 'helmet therapy.'
8-month-old Macsen who was both born with flat head syndrome with his helmet (Image: Bethan Smith) Flathead syndrome can sometimes develop if a baby spends a lot of time lying on their back. Other times the condition can develop genetically.
There are two main types plagiocephaly when the head is flattened on one side, causing it to look asymmetrical and brachycephaly when the back of the head becomes flattened, causing the head to widen.
To stop flat head syndrome progressing babies are given correctional helmets some of which costing over £2,000.
Siblings four-year-old Owen and 8-month-old Macsen both born with flat head syndrome (Image: Bethan Smith) Bethan's petition reads: 'Both my children have had flat head syndrome, and our family had to pay two and a half grand out of pocket for helmet therapy not once, but twice.
'This financial burden should not be a barrier for parents seeking essential treatment for their babies.
'That's why I am calling for the NHS to include helmet therapy as a free treatment available to any baby in the UK who requires it.
'Currently, helmet therapy is not available on the NHS, transferring an immense financial burden onto families who are already navigating the challenges of parenthood. The costs often exceed £2,000, a strain that many families simply cannot afford.
'This has led to inequity, where only those with sufficient means can access necessary care for their infants.'
29-year-old mum of two Bethan Smith with partner Chris Smith 38 and sons Owen 4, and 8-month-old Macsen (Image: Bethan Smith) Last May Bethan launched a GoFundMe titled, "Helmet for my baby to correct severe flat head syndrome."
The GoFundMe for Macsen was a success and funds for a new helmet were raised.
Speaking of the petition and GoFundMe Bethan said: 'It's frustrating with my eldest I was lucky my mam and a few other family members helped out.
'With Macsen's first helmet my partner sold his tools. Normally with that treatment the cost covers one helmet and all the scans and so we weren't expecting to need another one.
'I would like to thank each and every one of you who have been kind enough to share our gofundme page, who donated and who has shown us support.
'This would not have been possible without each and every one of you. Thanks to all of you kind hearted people you have not only helped our baby to carry on with his helmet treatment, but you have also helped towards helmet treatment for another little boy in need.
'Again, thank you all, we will always appreciate your kindness.'
Supporting the petition is MP for Caerphilly Chris Evans.
Chris Evans has written on behalf of Bethan to Jeremy Miles the Cabinet Secretary for health and social care at the Welsh Government.
He said: 'I have written on your behalf to Jeremy Miles MS, the Cabinet Secretary for health and social care at the Welsh Government.'
So far, almost 500 people have signed the petition which can be accessed here.
