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19
ST. GILES' SCHOOL FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
Mr Green, the Headmaster, reports that the outstanding feature of
the year has undoubtedly been the bringing into full use of the swimming
pool and the tremendous impact that this has had upon the life of
School. With the appointment of a full-time swimming Instructor it
rapidly proved possible to extend the swimming programme until over 180
children were regularly using the pool. This meant for many children,
previously severely limited in their physucal range, the opening up of
a completely new sphere of Interest, in that physical activity now became
a reality.
At present some 87 children are now able to swim and the award of 16
Interned late or Advanced Certificates for Physically Handicapped Children
by the English Schools' Swimming Association, together with 73
swimming certificates, gives some measure of the success of this
nature.
With the appointment of a further full-time physiotherapist, the
hydrotherapy pool was also brought into use for the specific treatment
of certain children. At the same time the number of treatments during
the year increased to a total of 5, 853, and the level of each treatment
was intensified. Towards the end of the year part-time untrained help
was also granted In this department.
Routine medical inspections took place on 21 occasions when 308
children were inspected and 169 parents were present.
Specialist medical examinations were held each term by specialists
In orthopaedic and physical medicine, some 51 children being seen on
these occasions.
Speech therapy has been given to an average of 18 children on two
sessions each week; a total number of 468 treatments.
The Nursing Sister, aided in certain duties by the Medical attendants,
has carried out the preparation and follow-up of medical examinations
as well as the various prescribed courses of treatment; a wide
variety of aliments have been treated and full records of each child's
progress have been maintained.
The Parents, Staff and children extend to Dr. Hegarty their most
grateful thanks and appreciation for her devoted work on behalf of the
children.