After first visiting Portland Training College, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital where she was greeted by the Duchess of Portland and other dignitaries. Her Majesty toured the wards and opened the remedial pool by cutting a ribbon across the door.
The Queen as all visitors did signed the Visitors book’ see the copy below, also a photograph taken in the Remedial Pool and just two newspaper extracts of the day. The visit was reported and illustrated in many newspapers.
Mansfield Advertiser Friday July 28th 1950
As her Majesty entered the building 15 year old Joyce Ashton of West Street, Barkston near Grantham was moved over the bath [pool] on the hoist and lowered into the water. Joyce had been in the hospital for 11 months
Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Tuesday 25 July 1950 – A Baby Splashes The Queen From Our Own Reporters
Two-year- old SANDRA MOTT lay on her back in the remedial baths at Harlow Wood Hospital yesterday afternoon, supported by a physiotherapist, Shirley Butters, aged 23. and happily splashed water at the smiling lady who leaned over to see her. What a lovely baby,’’ said the Queen, and Sandra, unaware, continued splashing as Miss Butters blushed for her. “Does she talk yet” asked the Queen. “Only a little” replied Miss Butters as Sandra gurgled. “I think she is very delightful,’ said the royal visitor, and passed beyond the range of Sandra’s splashes.
Sandra, who contracted polioencephalitis after whooping cough, has been in the hospital since January. At first almost wholly paralysed, she can now move her arms but is still paralysed in her trunk and lower body. Her cot is a plaster cast.
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