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.

Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly, affects many infants, leading to an asymmetrical distortion of the skull shape. The repercussions of untreated plagiocephaly can extend beyond cosmetic concerns, potentially leading to facial asymmetry, jaw misalignment, and developmental challenges. Helmet therapy offers a non-invasive solution, gently guiding the skull into a more typical shape during a crucial period of growth.

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.

Inclusion of helmet therapy in the NHS would ensure equal access to all babies across the UK who need this treatment. This would align with the NHS's commitment to providing comprehensive and equitable healthcare, preventing long-term developmental and structural issues in children from all backgrounds.

We urge the UK government and the NHS to reassess their current stance on helmet therapy for infants, considering the long-term benefits and support it can provide both to individuals and to the healthcare system itself. By funding helmet therapy, parents can focus on what truly matters: the health and well-being of their child without the looming concern of unexpected financial strain.

Sign this petition to help make helmet therapy accessible to every baby in need across the UK, ensuring that our healthcare system supports all families equally.