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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The occupational therapist spends one day a week in the Dagenham area. There
were 359 visits made to patients during the year, when the handicrafts taught were
leatherwork, basketry, needlework, rugmaking and toymaking. The value of materials
issued was approximately £75 and completed articles were sold at the Town Show by
the After Care Association, and later, in November, a sale of work was held. Unfortunately,
the foggy weather kept people away and many articles were unsold.
A method of selling the work all the year round is very much needed as at present
we have to depend on the Town Show and Christmas sales. Consequently, many patients
are reluctant to make articles in January and February as there is no way of disposing
of them, and the winter is a time when occupational therapy is needed more than ever.
Recently, a show case has been installed at the Thompson Road clinic, where goods on
show may be bought by the public.
There is also a very great need for the services of another occupational therapist
who could work mainly with the physically handicapped and with old people. Full use
could then be made of the materials and equipment at present at Thompson Road clinic.
Occupational Therapy for Domiciliary Chest Cases