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The miscellaneous conditions include such cases as myositis ossificans, severe
congenital dorsal scoliosis, pseudo hypertrophic muscular distrophy, Perthe's disease,
Hand-Schuller-Christian disease, achondroplasia and other defects.
ROMFORD ROAD CHILDREN'S HOME
This Hostel, which is situated adjacent to the Gurney Special School, has accommodation
for 18 educationally sub-normal boys with behaviour difficulties or other circumstances
rendering it advisable for them to leave their homes. All the boys improve in their
behaviour and habits, some to a remarkable degree. In certain cases, where the improvement
is considerable, and where in addition the home conditions also improve, the children are
allowed to leave the Hostel and return home. There is a tendency for the children to
relapse and in the past it has been necessary to re-admit certain children to the Hostel. In
consequence, before allowing a boy to return home he is examined by the Chief Assistant
School Medical Officer, and if he is satisfied that the boy has much improved, and reports
from the Superintendent of the Hostel and the Head Teacher of the Special School are satisfactory,
then permission is given for the boy to return home.
From the beginning, periodic visits have been made by the Chief Assistant School
Medical Officer, who reports most favourably both on the cleanliness of the premises and
the well-kept condition of the children.
The Home is in charge of a married couple, who act as Superintendent and Matron
respectively. They both devote much time and energy to the welfare of the children, and
achieve a considerable measure of success in their endeavours to provide a real family
atmosphere, in which each boy is encouraged to develop his own individual interests. There
is no doubt that the boys are genuinely happy at the Home, and derive much benefit from
their residence there. The Superintendent is always most helpful and co-operative.
During the year, 15 visits of inspection were made by the Chief Assistant School
Medical Officer. Consultations are at times arranged between the Medical Officer, the
Superintendent, and the Head Teacher of the Gurney Special School.
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