A BABY'S medical condition has been ignored by health workers in Harrow according to his mother.

Lata Patel's one year-old son, Rishi, has a condition called plagiocephaly, more commonly known as flat head.

The condition is caused by the baby lying on the same part of its head, causing it to flatten, producing an uneven shape.

Lata, 34, of South Hill Avenue, said: "During labour forceps were used and they trapped a nerve in Rishi's neck, causing him to lie, look and favour his left side. This has resulted in his head becoming very flat on the left hand side."

Shortly after returning home from hospital with Rishi, Lata tried to get help from her health visitor at Alexandra Avenue Health and Social Care Centre in Rayners Lane.

Lata said: "She told me it wasn't that bad and that my face wasn't exactly symmetrical either and that I should stop worrying. She was very dismissive of my concerns."

At seven months, Rishi's condition had not changed but Lata had found a possible treatment on the internet.

She said: "By chance I heard about babies wearing a helmet to help correct the shape of their heads and took Rishi straight away for a consultation at Ahead4babies, in Wimpole Street, London.

"Rishi was considered a bit old for the treatment, as flat head is best treated between four and six months due to increased softness of the skull.

"But he started his treatment at 11 months, and within two weeks there was a one centimetre movement."

Treatment for plagiocephaly is not available on the NHS and Lata has had to pay £2,000 to have it done privately.

Lata said: "My only wish is that I would have known about the helmet treatment earlier in Rishi's life.

"I nearly didn't find out about the treatment; I wouldn't wish that on another parent wanting to help their child."

Richard Milner, director of operations at Harrow Primary Care Trust (PCT), which runs the Alexandra Avenue centre, said: "The PCT takes all concerns and complaints seriously.

"We hope the patient in this case has reported their concern to relevant staff, as this is clearly the best way of resolving any problem and ensuring the PCT can take remedial action if required. The PCT has a complaints and advice service to support patients through this process and any concerns with a GP practice should be dealt with through the practice in the first instance."

Lata Patel has decided not to pursue the matter with a complaint but said she hopes no other parent comes across the same obstacles when trying to find help for the condition.