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74
The Ethel
Davis School
Dr. A.J. Howell, Medical Officer in Charge reports:-
1969 has been a particularly busy year at The Ethel Davis School
as regards new pupils, there having been no fewer than 32 discharges
and 24 admissions.
V/hile there has been no great change in purely medical work, more
attention is being paid in the latter part of pupils' time at school to
potentialities for work and optimum placements. In this connection Miss
Hill, Assistant Principal Social Worker, regularly attends meetings with
Mr. Farrell, Mr. Causton, parents and myself to discuss school leavers.
We have also established a much closer link with the Queen Elizabeth
Training College at Leatherhead.
At present we have under consideration the possibility of riding instruction
for some pupils where it might improve their balance. More
important perhaps an extension of swimming activities is being investigated.
At present some pupils have hydrotherapy in our own pool and
the older ones who are fit enough are taken to the ordinary baths at
Ilford. However, there are a large number of either young or more severely
handicapped pupils who would benefit either emotionally or physically
from swimming but require a more heated pool and more individual attention.
At present the only facility of this kind is at the pool at Dr.
Barnardo's, V/oodford, on Saturday afternoons during the summer months
under the care of The Dolphin Club. I would hope that in the future some
similar facility might be available for pupils on a weekday afternoon.
Staff
We very much regret that Mr. Lee, our Orthopaedic Consultant,
officially retired on 17th December 1969 after nine years supervision of
pupils at The Ethel Davis School. His expert advice has been much
appreciated and he will be greatly missed. We extend our best wishes to
him in his retirement.
During the past year Mrs. Hearne, Physiotherapist, was attached to
the school part-time and Mrs. Percival replaced Mrs. Hollows as nurse
assisting Mr. Brand. Already both have given excellent service.
During 1969 there were 24 admissions and 32 discharges, recommendations
for admissions being received from the following sources:-