A MOBILE clinic which offers single vaccinations to children in York could become a permanent fixture in the city.

London-based Direct Remedies, which became the first clinic to offer single measles, mumps and rubella vaccines in the city, has been so successful that staff are hoping to find a permanent home in the North - with York and Newcastle the preferred locations.

The Direct Remedies clinic first visited York in September offering choice to parents who are concerned about the safety of the controversial MMR triple jab.

The Government insists that MMR is safe and there are no proven links between the jab and autism or bowel disease. Single jabs can only be administered privately.

But Leigh Scully, regional co-ordinator for Direct Remedies, said she was certain that demand would continue to grow, with 100 children already booked into the next clinic in January.

She said: "The people who came to our first clinic have now finished their course of three jabs, so we have said our goodbyes to them.

"But we are doing another clinic in January and we have about 100 coming and I think demand will pick up again after Christmas and New Year.

"As more babies are born and they get to 13 months old, their parents are thinking about vaccinations and what type they want their child to have.

"We have talked about finding property in the area, either in York or in Newcastle so that we could set up on a permanent basis. That is on the cards for next year.

"But we need to look at property prices, and where the most central location for us will be. Even if we make our base in Newcastle we will still continue the mobile clinics in York.

"Our long-term plan is to have bases in all major cities."

Mrs Scully said the aim of the clinic was to offer increased choice to parents.

For more information about the single vaccinations, which cost £255 for a full programme, phone Mrs Scully on 0191 2895650.

Updated: 12:22 Monday, December 30, 2002