View report page

2. Adults.
It is at present impossible to ascertain the true total incidence of epilepsy
in the community, since there are no adequate means of effecting a complete registration,
even if it were desirable. In the majority of such cases, the epilepsy is of a minor
degree, adequately controlled by medication and the individual concerned is following
normal employment with little if any limitation in his activities.
The more severe cases usually come to notice because they are in need of special
care, and admission to an epileptic colony or other form of residential accommodation
is arranged by the Welfare Department under Part III of the National Assistance Act,1948.
During the year, two such cases were admitted, one to Chalfont and one to Lingfield
Epileptic Colonies.
The number of West Ham cases of epilepsy in residential care at the end of the year
was 13; these eases being accommodated as follows:-
Forest House - 2
Chalfont Epileptic Colony - 5
St.Elizabeth's Home for Epileptics, Much Hadham - 2
Meath Home for Epileptics, Surrey - 1
Lingfield Epileptic Colony - 2
Langho Epileptic Colony - 1
In some further cases, known to this department, the epilepsy is associated with
a degree of mental deficiency; if institutional care is not required such cases are placed
under supervision in accordance with the provisions of the Mental Deficiency Acts.
B. Cerebral Palsy.
1. Children.
The Spastic Unit attached to the Elizabeth Fry Special School for Physically
Handicapped Pupils was completed and opened in June, 1954. This Unit, which is under the
control of the Head Teacher of the parent school with whom a most close and satisfactory
liaison has been developed, is a specially designed single-storied building. It comprises
a Nursery Class under the control of a nursery teacher, large physiotherapy treatment room
with appropriate equipment, speech therapy room, a medical inspection and consulting room,
a staff room and the necessary ancillary ablution and toilet facilities for both staff and
children, with suitable adaptations to cater for the handicapped children in attendance.
The nursery class caters for spastic children between the ages of 2 - 7 years who
have been admitted to the Unit.
Spastic children under this age are encouraged to attend for treatment and for the
guidance of their parents in the many problems arising during their early training.
Children over two years who for any reason are not admitted to the nursery class but who
may benefit from the medical treatment provided also attend in the same way.
88