Work at the Convalescent Depot

The unit continued to function in two branches, the main body at Senigallia and the detachment at San Spirito, though the detachment dealt with more patients. There was no change in the type of work undertaken. At first, hepatitis cases were predominant, and later, after the battles, the lightly wounded were numerous. It was noted that the results of delayed primary suture were excellent and hastened full recovery.

The Consultant Surgeon, after his return from his tour of Britain and the north-west front in Europe, expressed a strong opinion that the training of specially selected physical training instructors would add tremendously to the efficiency of the convalescent depots. The name of ‘convalescent’ was unfortunate in its implication of a rest instead of a rehabilitation centre.