The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “St. Michael’s Orthopaedic Hospital. Clacton-on-Sea (see attached story). Photo shows:- The exterior of the hospital.”
A convalescent home for sisters working in St John’s Wood Hospital opened in Clacton-on-Sea in 1908. Following extensions in 1927, St Michael’s Orthopaedic Hospital provided accommodation for over 80 patients, as well as an operating theatre, rooms for plaster, anaesthetic and sterilisation, and a lift. Three large wards overlooked the sea; it was recognised that “fresh air and sunlight form an essential basis for treatment” in children. In the 1930s, open-air orthopaedic hospitals were built across England staffed by doctors and nurses with orthopaedic training. Country hospitals were responsible not only for treatment, but also for the education and training of patients; the children’s education was continued whilst they were patients at the Hospital. Following discharge from these hospitals, continuity of treatment was facilitated through the development of nearby after-care clinics. See also MED01/01/0379-0388, and MED01/02/0013. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Orthopaedic Hospital, Health And Welfare
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