London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Croydon 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]
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156
Additional dental clinics have been planned to serve the
Woodside area and the New Addington Housing Estate, but to
date building restrictions have impeded development. In the
last-named district the only possible accommodation is at present
used for Education purposes, and it is unlikely that these premises
will be vacated until the end of 1949. Should these quarters not
become available it is hoped that permanent accommodation will
ultimately be included in the proposed District Health Centre.
To meet future Education commitments an additional long
term expansion of the service was formulated in 1946, but with
one exception these undertakings have not yet advanced beyond
the blue print stage.
The following Table illustrates the probable yearly increase in the school population, together with the requisite in staff likely to be required:—
| Year. | Estimated Increase in School Population. | Total. | Probable Increase in Dental Officers Required. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Present Population | 25,680 | 1 (Woodside)1 |
| 1947 | Plus 14-15 age group, 1,855 | 27,575 | 1 (Addington)* |
| 1948-9 | Plus 15-16 age group, 1,855 | — | (Lodge Rd. |
| Plus Housing Estate 5,260 | 34,690 | 2 Extension) | |
| 1950 and onwards | Plus County Colleges, 7,000 | — | |
| Plus Nursery Schools, 800 | 42,490 | 1-2 | |
| Total: | 5-6 | ||
| * Now behind schedule. | |||
Staffing.
Difficulty in obtaining "professional" personnel is creating
a major problem and is seriously hampering urgently needed
expansion of the local scheme.
Until lately the staff consisted of six full-time dental officers.
One dental surgeon has, unfortunately, resigned and as no suitable
candidate was forthcoming, has been replaced by a part-time
officer.
At the time of writing the general "drift" of public dental
officers into more remunerative* fields is having its local repercussions,
and further losses are feared to be eminent.*
* On going to press, the resignation of a second dentist is reported.
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