Medical dates:

Medical character:

The Kensington Orthopaedic Clinic was opened by the Kensington Division of the British Red Cross Society in October 1919 for the treatment of disabled soldiers and sailors.  The functions of the Clinic included treatment with massage, electricity, radiant heat and remedial exercises.

Initially, the Clinic was open from 17.00 hr until 21.00 hr, but later the opening times were increased to 14.00 hr to 21.00 hr.  Patients received physiotherapy and electrical treatments.  A Lecture Room was fitted up as a gymnasium and a trained masseur (physiotherapist) gave Swedish remedial exercises.  By the end of 1919 some 1,370 men had received treatment.

On 1st September 1920 a Tropical Clinic opened to treat ex-servicemen who were still suffering from dysentery and malaria (it closed just over a year later on 31st October 1921).

During 1920 the number of patients treated was 17,422 (of whom 303 were officers and 17,119 were other ranks).

By 1921 the number of treatments declined, although statistically more were carried out in December 1921 than in December 1920.  

In February 1922, as the number of ex-servicemen being treated diminished, the Clinic began to accept civilian patients who would otherwise be unable to afford such treatment.  These patients were seen on Mondays and Fridays and needed a referral letter from their G.P.  The maximum charge for each treatment was 5 shillings (25p) and an Almoner was available on Monday and Friday evenings to assess the patient's ability to pay.  All forms of injury or disease of the limbs were treated - stiff, painful joints following sprains, fractures or dislocations, or any cases in which muscle power had been reduced or lost for any reason, or for patients suffering from postural deformities or deficient chest expansion.  Post-operative treatments were also provided, for example, in any appropriate cases of neuritis. Re-education of patients suffering from various disorders of the central nervous system, such as neuralgia or tabes dorsalis was undertaken.  Instruction was given in the use of artificial limbs and patients could be provided with the simpler orthopaedic appliances, such as special boots and splints. 

The Orthopaedic Clinic closed in August 1923.

Present status (August 2011)

The building has been converted into apartments.