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During this polio epidemic, 421 people were affected for every 100,000 members of the population, making it almost the biggest outbreak ever recorded in the world.
In an attempt to limit the spread of infection and prevent panic, the government imposed severe restrictions on the population. New trained and voluntary staff had to be found to look after people affected by the disease.
The Launceston branch of the Tasmanian Society for the Care of Crippled Children opened St Giles' Home to accommodate and treat children with polio. Using a grant from Lord Nuffield, the Society also assisted with the establishment of Wingfield House, on the site of the former Queen's Orphan Asylum in New Town, by then, St John's Park.
