Plans to improve services for North Yorkshire patients born with a cleft lip or palate are to be the subject of a three-month consultation with local people.

Barrie Fisher: wants as

much feedback as possible

The plans call for the creation of a centre of excellence in the Northern and Yorkshire region of the NHS to provide specialist surgery for the 100 to 120 babies born with either or both of the conditions in the region each year.

North Yorkshire Health Authority has launched a local consultation on the changes, which will involve at least one public meeting being held in the county and will end on July 3.

Under the proposal there would be a single clinical service in the region, with at least two specialist cleft lip and palate surgeons working with a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to provide specialist surgery at both Leeds and Newcastle - whichever is closest to the patient's home.

The team will undertake surgery about three or four times on each patient during their childhood or teens, while other treatment such as specialist dental services, and speech and language therapy, will continue to be provided at local hospitals and clinics.

Following recommendations from independent experts, the Government has decided that between eight and 15 specialist centres should replace the 50 or so cleft units in the UK.

The proposed form of the regional service was drawn up by a group chaired by Barrie Fisher, the chief executive of North Yorkshire Health Authority.

Mr Fisher said: "We are very keen to receive as much feedback as possible on these proposals from members of the public, patients and their families, and all other interested parties."

Comments should be sent to: The Chief Executive, Barrie Fisher, North Yorkshire Health Authority, Sovereign House, Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4GQ.

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