The staff appointed to Colton Ward were quick to appreciate the needs of children and their families, and a pleasant facility was established which has continued for the past 11 years.

In some cases care for children is given at Colton Ward on a part-time basis and sometimes full-time care is needed but close links with the family are maintained and every child goes regularly to school in Wellingborough.

Visitors

The staff seem to enjoy their work with the children and there are many visitors to the ward including families, volunteers, health visitors, community and school health services and community nurses who provide links with the families and other services.

The needs of each child and family is carefully assessed before admission and this usually includes a special review at the Alexandra House Children's Assessment Unit at Princess Marina Hospital.

The staff at Colton Ward aim to provide two separate "family" groups and in addition a day-time family group is proposed where very young handicapped children and their parents can meet each other in a friendly informal way with help from the staff and a variety of professional visitors.

The modern trend in the care of handicapped children is to provide a home-like atmosphere and there are plans to make minor alternations in the building to ensure that care is given in small family style groups with the staff acting as deputies for the mother and father.