Ceramic infant doll lying on a model bed, probably used to demonstrate to child patients their prospective early treatment for poliomyelitis, complete with supportive pillows and pads, bedding, small teddy bear and descriptive label, from the Lord Mayor Treloar Orthopaedic Hospital, Alton, Hampshire, England, 1930-1950
Lying on a wooden bed is a ceramic doll whose arms and legs are supported by pillows and padding. The doll was used to show child polio patients and their family the child’s upcoming treatment for the disease. Polio is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system and can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Complete rest and support of the limbs and warmth were often used as an early form of treatment.
The letters “LMTH” stitched into the pillow stand for the Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital in Alton, Hampshire, England. Set up in 1908, the hospital combined treatment of the physically disabled with education and schooling for long term patients. The hospital closed in the 1990s.
Details
- Category:
- Orthopaedics
- Object Number:
- 2002-359
- Measurements:
-
overall: 190 mm x 200 mm x 340 mm,
- type:
- teaching doll
- credit:
- North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust