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At the time of the enquiry nine were under school age, six
were attending special schools, 21 were at ordinary schools, fifteen
were working whole-time, four were housewives, two were capable
of work but unemployed.
The attention of all the patients (or their guardians) was drawn
to the facilities of the Infantile Paralysis Fellowship, which affords
means for training and re-education, and facilities for recreation. In
addition, the advisability was stressed, if appropriate, of registering
as disabled persons.
As a result of the follow-up it became apparent that there was
difficulty in the purchase of surgical boots and shoes and their
repair. After correspondence with the Ministry of Pensions and
the Hospital Authorities, a leaflet of advice in regard to this
difficulty was sent out. Briefly, the arrangement is for the family
doctor to refer the patient to an orthopaedic specialist who will,
where necessary, issue a "Surgical Appliance" order on the
Ministry of Pensions. Repairs are effected through the Ministry
of Pensions' local branches at East Ham and Finsbury Park.
Cases notified in 1950 were followed up during the current
year. Of 13 cases notified two had died and of the remaining 11 there
was no disability in three, weakness or slight paralysis in the upper
limbs of three, and of the lower limbs in four, and of the shoulder
and foot in one. All four adults were in full work as, a furniture
maker, landscape gardener, housewife, and inspector, respectively,
but only one had registered as a disabled person.
REHABILITATION OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS
During the year the Area Sub-Committee accepted financial
responsibility in approved cases for patients undergoing rehabilitation
at Papworth and Preston Hall Settlements. Four patients (one
of whom was eventually discharged) received rehabilitation treatment
at Papworth Hall. No cases underwent rehabilitation at
Preston Hall. No charge is made to the patient.
CONVALESCENCE FOR ADULTS
The total of cases sent away for recuperative convalescence
was 41. The length of convalescence was two weeks in 25 cases,
three weeks in 15 cases, and four weeks in one case. Recovery of
cost or part-cost is made.
SICK-ROOM EQUIPMENT
Apart from stores which are only available to certain sections
of the community, there are two main depots for sick-room equipment,
one at the District Nurses' Home in Carisbrooke Road, and
the other at the British Red Cross Society Headquarters in Forest
Road.