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42
Although not always possible, an attempt was made to
ensure that Local Authority services such as domestic help,
meals-on-wheels, special laundry service and sick room
equipment were available as soon as practicable after the
patients return home.
All discharges were checked with the Welfare Department
to see if they were known to a Social Welfare Officer and if
this was so, the case would be discussed and a copy of the
report following Miss Collins' visit sent to the appropriate
Officer.
Otherwise, following a visit, the report would be sent to a
Health Visitor with a request for routine visits should this
be thought desirable.
Madeira Grove Clinic
Health Visitor, Miss Roe, felt that there was a need in this
area to start a creche for mentally and physically handicapped
children, similar to the one at Fellowship House, Ilford.
This was opened on 19th April, 1966 with the willing
co-operation of mothers and others sufficiently interested to
offer their help.
The creche is open every Tuesday morning and has been
found to benefit both the mothers, who can discuss their
mutual problems and the children, who often show progress
through mixing with others.
The tendency to over-protect the child is diminished and
the mother begins to realise that she is not alone in facing
what to her may seem an insurmountable problem.
A Jumble Sale was held in the grounds of the clinic during
the Summer, the proceeds being used to buy suitable equipment
for the creche.
A group visit was arranged by Health Visitor, Miss Roe,
so that mothers could see the facilities provided for children
at the John Kennedy Unit, Newham. This again perhaps
allayed some fears that although a child might not be eligible
for ordinary education, that he was not forgotten and that
thought was given to make the best use of the abilities which
he had and the use which can be made of them.
Wanstead Place Clinic
Following completion of alterations, the Infant Welfare
Centre previously held at Cromwell Hall was transferred to
Wanstead Place in April 1966.