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- 20 -
SPASTIC CHILDREN - Continued.

Transition from diagnosis and treatment to research
Daily contact with this baffling disease provokes research in an active
mind, and the idea that the centre should undertake research into causes
and treatment was emphasized in the terms of the medical officer's appointment.
It is an experimental centre, and the medical officer's sessions were paid far
out of the regional research funds. The idea that the centre should undertake
research came about gradually, and at a crucial moment the bequest mentioned
earlier made it a practical possibility in so far as space and equipment were
concerned. In the meantime the very gradual increase in the number of
screenings to well over 100 is equipping the medical officer with the necessary
fundamental experience.
Quality of treatment
The emphasis has been on giving adequate treatment to fewer patients
rather than less adequate treatment to more. Shortening the time under treatment
or increasing the intervals between successive treatments due to increased
numbers has been avoided even if it means starting a waiting list. If treatment
is to achieve results and inspire confidence, quality is of paramount importance.
King Edward's Hospital Fund for London
The King Edward's Hospital Fund, by their generous donations at the outset,
made the establishment of this centre a possibility.
In October 1956, the visiting committee of the Fund reported that
"A visit to the Spastic Centre in Cheyne Walk is a most stimulating
experience,, This is a pioneer effort operating in a new field. We
feel that the Committee of Management should have the support of all
those who are interested in the Cerebral Palsy problem.
We think that the size of the unit might be increased, but to not
more than double its present numbers.
We hope that the research work and the development of therapeutic
and educational methods will be supported by sufficient funds for
the purpose".