The UK government responded to the petition, and rejected it, with the following response:
--------------------- Dear Claire
Thank you for your recent petition about plagiocephaly.
As you know, plagiocephaly is quite a common condition. The condition normally corrects itself as the baby starts crawling and sitting up. As long as the unusual shape of the head is not interfering with the ability of the skull to increase in size as the brain grows, it is unlikely to be a problem.
A health visitor who sees babies with plagiocephaly will regularly plot length, head circumference, and weight on a chart. If the measurement of the head circumference is not following the expected pattern, the health visitor will suggest a referral. Very occasionally, an operation may be required, but helmet treatment is not regularly used in this country. At present there is a lack of data from controlled clinical trials to support the use of helmets for plagiocephaly, and some clinicians have concerns over the prolonged use of such treatment.
You may be aware that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been notified about the use of moulding helmets/cranial banding for plagiocephaly. The Institute will consider this procedure as part of its work programme. Further information about NICE's review is available on the Institute's website at: www.nice.org.uk.
The development of services for babies with plagiocephaly continues to be undertaken within the context of devolving decisions about healthcare to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). PCTs are now responsible for commissioning health services in their local areas, as they are closest to the people they serve and best placed to respond to their needs. While some PCTs do choose to commission helmet treatment, it is a matter for their local decision.
However, the Government sets national standards which local health professionals are required to meet, such as those outlined in National Service Frameworks (NSFs). In September 2004, we published the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services, which sets out standards for a range of health and social care services for children, young people and pregnant women.
Rather than addressing specific conditions, the generic standards outline what support should be available to children and their parents in managing a wide range of conditions and problems, such as plagiocephaly. In so doing, the NSF emphasises the promotion of evidence-based clinical guidelines and provides examples of practice from the field.
You refer to Reduce the risk of cot death; an easy guide, which provides advice to the public on sleeping position, temperature and other infant care practices to reduce the risk of cot death. As you know, this guide was produced in association with the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. I should clarify that the guide does make it clear that: 'babies enjoy a variety of movements when awake and it is good for them and their development to experience different positions. This should include sometimes lying on their tummies to play during the day, when they are awake'.
Reduce the risk of cot death is available on the Department of Health's website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
I hope this reply is helpful.
Tony Blair
