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Thursday, March 29, 1973
The severely mentally retarded in the third grade should be looked after by the Medical and Health Department in a hospital created especially for then. Plans for Siu Lam were prepared immediately after the report's acceptance by the Government, but it took some years for the hospital to be realised.
Siu Lam is in the general area of the Tai Lam Chung reservoir. It aits on a hill away from the main highway. The design allows the country atmosphere to be retained, and all the wings of the main building open onto
a green courtyard.
A spokesman says: "The change has been very good for the children, and they are thriving. The staff have got used to the problems posed by severe mental retardation, and all is well."
The daily routine is planned to give the children as much sunshine
as possible, and many hours are spent out of doors. Those who are unable to walk are carried to a patio where they rest on improvised beds in the fresh air.
Note to Editors:
You are invited to send a representative
on a Press tour of Siu Lam Hospital on the afternoon of Wednesday (April 4). Transport will be provided. Members of the Press, radio and TV are requested to assemble at 1.15 p.m. in the sub-pool behind the Tsim Sha Tsui post office, where one large government bus, AM5018, will be waiting. At Siu Lan Hospital, they will be welcomed by Mr. Arthur Starling, Chief Hospital Secretary, and other officials. The tour will include all facilities at the hospital. Photographs will be allowed but in deference to the patients themselves, there should be no identifiable pictures.+ The Medical and Health Department's Public Relations Officer will be at the Tsim Sha Tsui sub-pool to assist the Press.
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