Latest news with #Macsen
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
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.
South Wales Argus
21-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Blackwood mother fundraising for baby's medical helmet
Bethan Smith's son, Macsen, was born on 24th September last year and has been diagnosed with severe plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, conditions which result in the flattening of a baby's skull. "I have been told by the helmet specialist it is most likely caused by soft malleable bones, so it looks as though it's genetic, I also had to go through the same with my eldest son," Bethan explained. "The NHS doesn't provide this as they class it as a 'cosmetic' treatment even though it causes so many issues later in life for them," said Bethan. Desperate to fund a medical helmet and treat baby Macsen's condition, Bethan launched a GoFundMe titled, "Helmet for my baby to correct severe flat head syndrome." (Image: Bethan Smith) (Image: Bethan Smith) Bethan argues that treating the condition as a baby could prevent significant suffering in later life, saying, "Later in life they have to break jaws and pull teeth to re-align everything, which I think is barbaric and if it can be prevented by a simple helmet it is beyond me why they don't provide it on the NHS." "Also, the amount of bullying he would get later in life because of this, if left untreated, breaks my heart to think about," she added. The family were able to fund Macsen's first helmet, but health complications have meant that he now needs a second one, which they aren't able to provide. "We bought him his first one and due to him being unwell and in hospital quite a bit, being put on oxygen and feeding tubes and having a temperature the helmet has had to be removed," she explained. Rather than having to end Macsen's treatment whilst his condition is still classed as severe, Bethan hopes to raise the necessary funds. "We are trying to raise money for him to have a new one, which is laser scanned to fit his head shape perfectly," she added. Bethan worries that the consequences of missing the window for treatment could be serious and long-lasting and is determined not only to help her son but also others struggling. "Any money we have left over from fundraising, we are donating to the clinic for other families to use for a helmet for their children," she said. (Image: Bethan Smith) Bethan's story is a mother's heartfelt plea for help and better awareness. She is hopeful that with the help of the community, she will be able to get the helmet for baby Macsen. When asked why NHS Wales doesn't cover treatment, the Welsh Government said they don't generally recommend helmets to treat the condition due to a lack of evidence that they work and the potential discomfort they may cause. However, they advise anyone concerned about the shape of their baby's head to speak to a health adviser or GP.
