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Orthopaedic and Physiotherapy Clinics
These sessions are attended by arrangements with the Regional
Hospital Board by orthopaedic specialists and a physiotherapist.
During 1965, 925 pupils attended. 600 examinations were carried
out by the orthopaedic specialists and 4,440 physiotherapy treatments
were given.
Mrs. A. Slip, physiotherapist, reports as follows :—
"At the present time there are approximately 1,000 children
receiving treatment in the clinics for conditions responding to
physical therapy.
The greater proportion of these fall under the general classification
of postural defects, but other orthopaedic conditions currently
undergoing treatment are mainly those affecting the spine
and knee.
The treatment of these cases is under the direction of the
orthopaedic consultant.
During the past year there has been a slight increase in the
number of children referred by general practitioners and some local
hospitals for chest physiotherapy, and a few children have been
sent for ultra-violet irradiation.
The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, continues
to request treatment for a small number of children living
locally affected with cerebral palsy, congenital muscular hypotonia
and postural defects associated with overweight.
(An increasingly large number of children are being advised
about weight problems as a causative factor of postural defects and
' hypotonia'.)
The number of babies referred suffering suspected birth trauma
or congenital abnormality has shown a slight decrease in the past
year."
Speech Therapy Service
In this first report of speech therapy in the Borough of Havering,
I feel that I can confidently say that the work has progressed
with stability and unity of purpose, which has allowed the merging
of the Romford and Hornchurch Districts to take place with a
feeling of friendliness and goodwill.
In April, 1965, the full compliment of speech therapists for
the Borough comprised 1 senior, 3 whole-time and 1 part-time personnel.
But we were short of 1 whole-time therapist, to cover
Harold Wood. Rainham and South Hornchurch Districts, together
with Corbets Tey Special School. This post became vacant at the
end of December, 1964, and was not eventually filled until September,
1965. In the meantime some of the most urgent cases were
baing treated by the therapists at Harold Hill and Hornchurch.
Hornchurch, Upminster and Elm Park Districts
In April, 1965, the case load for this area was particularly
heavy with long waiting lists at all the Clinics. Previously the
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