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As a result of periodic examinations by the medical officer, children
were recommended for treatment as follows:—
Extra milk in school 28
Cod liver emulsion in school 28
Referred to orthopaedic surgeon 1
„ „ Speech Clinic 1
„ „ Ophthalmic Clinic 1
„ Dental Clinic 2
„ „ Paediatric Clinic 1
In addition, 6 children received artificial sunlight treatment during
the year. Children with lung diseases were given daily deep breathing
exercises.
Cerebral Palsy Unit.
Dr. D. L. Woolf, Consultant in Physical Medicine to the Cerebral
Palsy Unit, reports as follows: —
"A notable event during 1955 was the opening on May 2nd of
the Cerebral Palsy Unit, with 9 cases transferred from Benton Open
Air School.
The Unit, which has 24 places, is housed in an old Day Nursery
and is an annexe of Benton School under the same Head Teacher,
but is otherwise self-contained. In addition to the necessary medical,
teaching and domestic staffs, there are a Consultant in Physical
Medicine who visits weekly, a School Medical Officer who visits
weekly and is on call, and ancillary medical staff of physiotherapists,
speech and occupational therapists, together with a state registered
nurse and welfare workers.
The aim of the Unit is to provide suitable cases with all necessary
education and medical attention on the spot. Close liaison is
maintained with the parent school and the possibility of transfer from
the Unit to the Open Air School or vice versa is always borne in
mind. The closest contact is maintained with the children's private
doctors and any hospitals they may attend and co-operation has been
full and very helpful.
The Unit opened with 9 cases in May, and from September
onwards there were 15 more admissions. Discharges, with their
reasons, are given below:—
Admissions:—
May 9
September onwards 15
24
Discharges: —
Unsuitable ... .. ... ... ... 3
Returned to Open Air School 2
Transfer to residential school 1
Over age 1
7
There are 17 children on roll at the time of this report. Of these,
5 live in Ilford and 12 come from outside the Borough, it being the
intention that the Unit should serve not only Ilford itself but also
adjoining districts.
Children are admitted for a trial period of from 3 to 6 months
after passing the School Medical Officer and the Consultant Physician,
who reject obviously unsuitable ones. After the trial period they are
reviewed in the light of progress and the reports of all staff concerned
and a final decision made as to their placement,