YORK has been chosen as the base of a new specialised mental health service for deaf children.

Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) was chosen by the National Specialist Commission-ing Advisory Group at the Department of Health as a pilot site for the innovative new service.

A clinical team based in York will work closely with NHS trusts in the area and with special schools for the deaf in Wetherby and Doncaster.

The bid for this pilot has been developed in conjunction with Corner House Deaf Child and Family Service, National Deaf Services at Springfield Hospital in London, who will provide support for the York team.

Dr Sue Ross, chief executive of the PCT, said: "This is a new development and we are delighted to be piloting this innovative service."

The pilot will work with deaf children of all ages, providing help and advice to those with mental health needs.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Barry Wright said: "This group of children has traditionally had poor access to services despite the fact that research shows they have greater mental health needs.

"Poor services arise from poor access to interpreting for those children and families who use British Sign Language, but also from a lack of expertise with respect to their specific needs. We would hope to address both of these problems by having a dedicated service.

"A vital part of this work is building relationships with the local deaf community and we hope to forge positive working links with local services / voluntary agencies who provide local services for deaf people."

After the three-year pilot, which will begin in September, it is hoped that a successful model will be extended to other parts of the country.

Updated: 08:42 Tuesday, April 01, 2003