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PHYSIOTHERAPY (INCLUDING ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT). Arrangements for children to receive
treatment at the Children's Hospital, Balaam Street, Plaistow, were continued throughout
the year. 58 children were referred from the Municipal Child Welfare Clinics. During the
year the Council adapted and equipped three of the Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, at
Forest Street, Maybury Road and Grange Road, for ultra violet light therapy, and has appointed
a Physiotherapist to commence duties early in 1952. It is intended that simple physiotherapy
in the form of remedial exercises, and when necessary massage, as well as artificial sunlight
treatment, should then be available, on the Council's own premises, and on the medical
officer's recommendation, for expectant and nursing mothers and children under 5 years.
This service will also be available on the same premises for those school children who are
referred by the School Medical Officer and the Council's Paediatrician.
These facilities, provided on premises which are easily accessible and already well
known to parents and children, should encourage the acceptance of treatment at a stage when
it will be truly preventive, and in many cases should speedily restore normal health.
CONVALESCENCE.
Children under 5 years.
To "Transferred Homes" 7
To other Homes 109
Total: 116
Mothers with Babies 19
The total shows a slight increase on the number sent away during 1950. The number
sent to transferred homes has again decreased. These homes, which are controlled by the
Regional Hospital Board and for which no charge is made to the parents or to the Council,
are being reserved more strictly for those children who need medical and nursing care during
their convalescence. Such children are seldom referred through the local authority services
but are usually sent away direct from: hospital or through the agency of the family doctor.
The cost of maintenance of the other homes which provide "recuperative holidays" is
borne by the Council, but a maximum charge of 10/6d per mother and baby or children under
5 years is made to the parent.
The number of mothers with babies who have been sent for convalescence has increased,
but this number does not represent the total number of mothers who could have benefited from
this service had it been more readily available.
It is difficult to find suitable vacancies to meet the needs of the mother requiring
a recuperative holiday with her baby and young children or of the very young child who
requires such a period of recuperation but who should not be separated from his mother.
Only one such hpme has been able to offer vacancies to West Ham mothers during 1951, and
because of staffing and other difficulties these have not been available at all times
throughout the year.
As In previous years the administrative arrangements for convalescence have been
in the hands of the West Ham branch of the Invalid Children's Aid Association, and have once
again been carried out in an extremely efficient and helpful way. The experience and
personal interest which has been shown by the staff of this organisation are very highly
appreciated.
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