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66
Dr. Toms took over the supervision of the school in
September.
Dr. W. H. Toms, Medical Officer in Charge, reports as
follows:—
"During 1965 the Ethel Davis School continued to function
on the same lines as previously.
Two visits a week were made to the school throughout the
year; one session was devoted to carrying out the six monthly
periodic medical inspections of the pupils and assessing the
suitability of possible new entrants who have been referred to
us by Private Doctors, Hospitals and other Local Authorities.
The second session coincided with the weekly visit of Mr.
H. B. Lee, Orthopaedic Consultant, who continued to supervise
the medical treatment and general needs of the more severely
physically handicapped children. During these two visits, both
the medical and teaching staff have the opportunity to discuss
any problems which may have arisen concerning the welfare of
the children.
We remained very fortunate in the staffing position, with
the services of two physiotherapists, an occupational therapist
and a speech therapist available throughout the year. Because
of this, the children were able to receive their therapy at school
and no school time was lost which normally would have been
spent travelling to and from their supervising hospitals. Mrs.
Waites, Nursing Auxiliary, left during August but was replaced
by Mrs. Hallows on the 18th November.
Mr. Brand, Senior Physiotherapist, attended the Bobath
Course of Physiotherapy during July and August and has continued
to produce stimulating ideas concerning the treatment of
the children by introducing more original equipment.
Interest seems to have been aroused concerning the school
and as a result of a visit made there by a General Practitioner
an article appeared in the 'Medical World' describing the
excellent facilities the Ethel Davis School offers.
The Nursery Assessment Centre has been used to great
advantage during the year and has proved invaluable for assessing
the handicaps of children of pre-school age. The Local
General Practitioners have been informed of this Centre's
existence within the Ethel Davis School in order that they may
refer any young children whom they feel might qualify for
admission."
During 1965 there were 24 admissions and 27 discharges;