A YOUNG mother who was refused surgery to repair her nose after a vicious beating by her ex-boyfriend will today meet health chiefs hoping for a resolution.
Rebecca Beattie, 25, was turned down for the funding needed for corrective and cosmetic surgery on the injuries sustained when she was attacked by her former partner, Bradley Scot Want, at their home last year.
Her story has made national headlines since The Press revealed her plight on Tuesday.
The Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was today due to meet Miss Beattie, and Dr Mark Hayes, its chief clinical officer, said he welcomed the opportunity to “discuss how we can find a solution to her problems”.
He said: “Having recently taken over responsibility for local NHS funding, I have great sympathy with the lady at the centre of this case.”
Miss Beattie, who has a four-year-old son, was diagnosed with a grossly deviated septum, splayed nasal bones and fractures following Want’s assault, which saw him jailed for 16 months.
Miss Beattie’s injuries left her unable to breathe through one nostril and struggling to breathe through the other, causing sleep difficulties.
A surgeon told her the treatment was necessary, but she was denied it by a panel that assesses applications.
Family and friends have since been fundraising for private care, expected to cost about £5,500.
She said: “The last few days have been overwhelming with all the attention, but I feel it’s been worthwhile and really positive, hopefully not just for me but for others whose cases are similar to mine.”
York Central MP Hugh Bayley has championed Miss Beattie’s case and lobbied Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt for a “fair deal” over York health funding.
He said: “I would call on the Vale of York CCG to change its original decision and pay for the treatment Miss Beattie’s GP and hospital specialist both believe is necessary.”
He said the treatment would have been approved elsewhere. If the decision is reversed, the money raised by friends and family will go to charity.
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