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best advantage if they could be satisfied that those who are
dependent on them would be sufficiently provided for during their
absence. I fear that in many instances this is not so.
(d) There is no practical method of compelling a patient to remain
in an institution, although his discharge may be a grave danger
to his family and the public at large.
Grade work. No elaborate grading of patients is carried
out. For male patients on outdoor work there are three grades : —
(1) Light work. For 2 hours in the morning.
(2) Heavier work such as digging for 2 hours in the morning.
(3) Same work as in grade 2, but the patients work both in the
morning and afternoon.
Several patients are also employed polishing floors, and in
looking- after the billiards room and tables. The gardener is
responsible for seeing that the patients carry out the work allotted
to them.
The female patients are employed in domestic work, washing
up, dusting, and cleaning lockers, and in addition a number
do light gardening.
When the weather is favourable we aim at keeping patients
occupied out of doors as much as possible.
Radiology. During the year 601 films were taken, and 55
patients were screened. Three barium meals were given. In
addition, 43 films were taken of children from Langdon Hill sanatorium.
Lipiodol was used in one case.
Dental treatment. Two patients received treatment from
the dental surgeon at Whipps Cross Hospital, and were fitted with
dentures. Many patients arrive at the institution with their teeth
in a very decayed condition. Where the patient is not well enough
to attend a dentist outside, a number of extractions are done
annually in the institution with and without a local anaesthetic.
It would be helpful if patients would visit a dentist before they
are admitted.
Diet. Three substantial meals are served daily—at 8.30
a.m., 1.30 and 6.0 p.m. In addition milk is given in the morning
and at bed time. The quantity of the food is not limited in any
way, and there is plenty of variety.
No special diets are recognised, but they are ordered for
each individual case as required.
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