A DUNDEE campaigner has accused the Scottish Government of going back on its promise to give all new parents a leaflet to raise awareness about flat-head syndrome.

MSPs agreed to carry out a study into plagiocephaly (flat-head syndrome) after Dundee mum Mandy Muir’s support group submitted a 15,000-signature petition to Parliament.

However, well over a year after the government’s pledge, Mandy said worried mothers were still contacting her for advice because they have not been given any information on the condition.

Mandy is now urging new parents to get in touch with their MSPs and health authority.

She will also be raising the issue when the group go back to parliament in June.

“Leaflets have been produced on the prevention of plagiocephaly which were to be given to all new parents, however I am very disappointed to find out this has not been happening,” she said.

“It is essential parents are given this information and it reinforces the need for these leaflets to be given to all new parents.

“I was completely unaware of any risks and would have known how to prevent plagiocephaly if I was given advice when Annabel was born.”

The petition resulted in information leaflets being produced to be given to all new parents, with a study also being carried out by the Scottish Government following the group’s efforts.

The government said it recognised a need to raise awareness of the issue both amongst parents and professionals and that is why they developed a leaflet with NHS Health Scotland, clinicians and physiotherapists.

“The support group now has over 1000 members and only two have been given the leaflet,” added Ms Muir.

“This is completely unacceptable as this crucial advice can prevent the need for costly helmet treatment and many months of financial stress for parents.

“We actively encourage the members to contact their MSPs and health authorities and are hoping the lack of distribution of these leaflets will also be raised when the petition is heard.”

Mandy’s two-year-old daughter Annabel was diagnosed with flat-head syndrome at five months.

Mandy saved up for three months to fund helmet therapy privately in Leeds.

Helmet therapy, which reshapes the head as the bones grow, costs £1850 plus around £2000 travel expenses to pay for trips for consultations.

Annabel’s starting measurements were 96% and 16mm misaligned, meaning her head was as wide as it was long, but it is now within the normal range after finishing therapy.

“The petition returns to Parliament on June 24,” added Ms Muir.

“It has been two years since we submitted it and even though it has been very hard work keeping the campaign running it has been very worthwhile.

“Due to the petition the first ever research in the UK is presently being undertaken and its progress is what we are hoping to find out at the hearing.

“There have been many parents’ plights reported in the media recently and I am trying to contact these families to let them know of our campaign and support group so they know they can speak to other families going through the same turmoil.

“The group is an immense source of support for families and there are many new members joining each week.

“It is a disgrace families are being told their child’s hair will hide their deformity and are sent away to worry endlessly if this will be the case.

“There are many families in the group whose older children have unresolved plagiocephaly and it is very upsetting to hear how these families worry for their child’s future due to possible bullying and low self esteem.”