View report page

104
medical supervision of the paediatricians of St.George's and St.
James' Hospitals and is an extension of the assessment
facilities of the hospitals.
Whilst in the unit, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of a
paediatrician, local authority doctor, psychologist, audiologist,
speech thereapist and physiotherapist combine to provide
effective diagnosis and treatment and formulate a programme for
the child's care and management. Close liaison with the
hospitals concerned enables full use to be made of other
specialists. Day-to-day medical problems are the responsibility
of the Health Department whilst the necessary support for the
handicapped family and the administrative matters, including
transport, are dealt with by the Social Services Department. The
parents play an important part in the unit and it is envisaged
that it will provide an educational setting for parents and staff
alike.
An occupational therapist is in charge of the unit and three
nursery nurses assist her. The I.L.E.A. have agreed to provide
a nursery teacher to assist in the assessment of the educational
needs of each child in this age group.
Provision of Physiotherapy at Summerley Special Care Unit
Following discussion between the Health Department and St.
George's Hospital, Tooting, it was agreed that a physiotherapist
from the Paediatric Department should continue to attend the
Special Care Unit at Summerley Day Nursery on a weekly basis.
The Unit admits up to eight children at a time, most of whom are
severely physically handicapped and require physiotherapy.
In addition to carrying out actual treatment, the physiotherapist
was able to advise nursery staff on how to handle the children in
order to prevent or mitigate the appearance of secondary handicaps.
Attention was drawn to means whereby opportunity could be
provided to enable the children to achieve their maximum potential
and numerous practical improvements such as the provision of
suitable chairs, tables, toilet fittings and toys were introduced.
The association has been of the greatest possible benefit and
has provided a very practical link between the hospital and the
local authority. It has demonstrated beyond doubt that there is
a need for an extension of the service to other handicapped
children in the community. This is now under consideration.