2-631-827 - Historic England/Heritage Images

Pilkington Special Hospital, Borough Road, St Helens, Lancashire, September 1918. Wounded servicemen receiving thermo-therapy (hot dry-air treatment) at the Pilkington Special Hospital. Their limbs are being subjected to hot dry air (250 Fahrenheit to 300 Fahrenheit) in asbestos lined cabinets. The Pilkington Special Orthopaedic Hospital was conceived by surgeon James R Kerr along with Pilkington Brothers, glass manufacturers. It was established in 1916 for the treatment and rehabilitation of servicemen disabled during the First World War.