In Ramachandran and Aronson's interesting account of Treves' role in the operation for appendicitis, and his role in the description of the Elephant Man in the May issue of the JRSM,1 they omit what was probably Treves' contribution with the most significance today.
Treves' vision was responsible for founding, funding and obtaining royal patronage for the Star and Garter Home in 1915. This Home was set up during World War I to meet the needs of servicemen suffering as a result of amputations and paralysis, and for whom there was no room or role in the established military hospitals. These servicemen were treated at the Royal Star and Garter Home and rehabilitated there. Its contribution was so outstanding that further units were established and to this day, servicemen are continuing to benefit from treatment there.2
It is the only surviving spinal unit from World War I. It has endured till the present day and it is there that competitive sport originated, leading to the founding of the paralympic movement. This enduring contribution, for which countless servicemen are grateful, should be acknowledged.3,4
Competing interests
None declared
References
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