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(4) That tuberculous cripples should have after-care and guidance systematically given;
and
(5) That apart altogether from philanthropic considerations, the thorough treatment
of these patients is not only logical and desirable, but economically sound. It is
undoubtedly to the advantage, not only of the individual, but of the community,
to cure and train the cripple, to convert him from a dependant to a wage-earner
and producer.
The deputation saw the cases at Alton at all stages and were particularly impressed with the
boys at the college who were learning to become self-supporting citizens. The work of this college
is a clear demonstration of the economic soundness of converting the helpless and dependent cripple
into a self-supporting, independent wage-earner and producer, and in the opinion of the deputation
such money is well spent and a sound financial investment.
22. Manchester—Swinton and Parkfield Residential Open Air School for Surgical Tuberculosis.
—Visited 13th April, 1920. Deputation:—Councillors W. M. Bolton, Mrs. Moore, Miss Royle, the
Rev. H. Martin Thorpe, and Dr. Buchan.
This is a school maintained by the Manchester Education Authority for 114 children suffering
from surgical tuberculosis and rickets.
The children are under complete medical supervision there being a visiting Surgeon and a
matron in charge of the home.
A considerable area of land is attached to the institution some of which is used for the grazing
of nine cows which supply milk for the children.
The institution is a few miles out of Manchester. One portion of it consists of an old manor
house to which has been added an open air ward.
The average stay here of children is two to three years, and during this time they receive
education. Nine teachers are employed for this purpose as the instruction given requires largely to
be individual as the children are in bed for long periods at a time.
23. Cheshire—Leasowe Hospital and School for Surgical Tuberculosis.—Visited 14th April,
1920. Deputation:- Councillors W. M. Bolton, Mrs. Moore, Miss Royle, the Rev. H. Martin Thorpe,
and Dr. Buchan.
This is a hospital for 240 children suffering from tuberculosis of the bones and joints. It is
situated on the sea coast at Leasowe in Cheshire and was originally started as a voluntary enterprise
but now 80 per cent. of the beds are maintained by the City Corporation of Liverpool. A Medical
Superintendent is in charge. The ages of the children range from 5 to 16 years, and the children
are put into wards according to their educational attainments rather than their physical disabilities.
This is done in order to make teaching easier.
There are 28 acres of land attached to the institution. The average stay at this hospital is
two to three years.
24. Birmingham—Woodlands Residential Sanatorium School.—Visited 15th April, 1920.
Deputation:—Councillor Mrs. Moore, and the Rev. H. Martin Thorpe, and Dr. Buchan.
This institution admits 100 children and is under the charge of a matron.
The majority of the children are suffering from tuberculosis and remain in the institution in
some cases as long as four years, but the average stay is one year.
About 1 per cent. of the children come back to the Woodlands after returning to their home
conditions.
Six teachers are provided by the Birmingham Education Committee and visit the institution
daily. Teaching is conducted on the verandah or quite out of doors in fine weather.
The institution is a mansion which has been adapted for its present purpose. The children are
nursed in three open air wards on the first floor, ranged round three sides of an open quadrangle.
One of these wards is new, while the two others are converted lofts. The sides of the wards immediately
surrounding the quadrangle are open except for the supporting pillars, and protection is afforded
from the rain when necessary by canvas curtains. The other sides of the wards are solid, but amply
supplied with windows, which may be opened widely.
The sanitary annexes are of recent construction, and small handrails are found useful for the
cripples who use the closets provided. Seven baths are provided.
An operating theatre and anæsthetic room are attached to the institution.
The Birmingham and District Cripples' Union which maintain this institution are considering
the establishment of massage and plaster rooms at an early date.