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ORTHOPAEDIC AND POSTURAL DEFECTS
As in previous years children with the more severe defects were referred to
orthopaedic surgeons at various hospitals. Fifty-one children were given physiotherapy
through the Council's service at Forest Street and Grange Road Clinics, and at Elizabeth
Fry Special School. Children known to have been treated outside the Council's scheme
numbered 132 and 13 have been hospital in-patients. In accordance with the National
Health Service arrangements, surgical boots and orthopaedic appliances are provided by
the hospital.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
The superintendent physiotherapist continued on a part-time basis assisted by
two other physiotherapists who, for the greater part of the year, worked full-time.
Children are referred to the physiotherapist by the local authority medical
officers, sometimes at the request of general practitioners. Consultants at hospitals
sometimes refer children for treatment at local clinics in order to save fatigue, time
and expense caused by long journeys. These are often children suffering from asthma and
bronchitis. The treatment given at the clinics is mainly breathing exercises, foot
exercises and ultra-violet rays. Children with conditions such as poor posture are given
remedial exercises in groups.
Elizabeth Fry School for Physically Handicapped Children and the Spastic Unit
make heavy demands on the time and skill of the physiotherapists, as most of these
children require a great deal of individual attention.
Physiotherapy Clinics
Forest Street Maternity and
Child Welfare Clinic,
Forest Gate, E.7.
Grange Road Maternity and Child
Welfare Clinic,
Grange Road, Plaistow, E.13.
All patients are seen by appointment
Monday and Friday 1.30 to 5.15 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Monday and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 noon.