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41
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
attendance of 48 for 49 weeks (the Centre having been closed at
Easter and Christmas). At Tooting Centre, the number on the
register at the end of 1917 Was 817, and the attendances 3,339, an
average of 65.5. Putney Centre had 325 on the register at the
end of 1917, and the attendances were 1,252 in 50 weeks, an average
of 25. Balham Centre had 313 on the register at the end of 1917,
and the attendances were 2,955, an average of 59. Streatham
Centre had 382 on the register, and the attendances were 1,795,
an average of 35.9.
320 attendances were made by the Health Visitors to the
Centres during the year, 27 lectures and many homely talks were
given to the mothers, and during the present year this number
has been largely increased. Additional lectures were also given
by other lecturers.
Dental Work. At the Tooting Centre arrangements have been
made with the British Dentists' Hospital, 23, South Side, Clapham
Common, for the treatment of mothers and children sent from
the Centre. Investigations as to amount of payment are made
by the Matron of the Hospital.
The Putney Centre has co-operated with the London County
Council in opening on the 7th October, 1918, a Dental and Minor
Ailment Department at the Centre, 104, Felsham Road.
The Dental Department is open five half-days a week for
school children, who receive fillings, extractions, and, if necessary,
gas extractions for the inclusive charge of one shilling, which in
necessitous cases may be reduced to one penny. Children attending
the Infant Welfare Centre will also be treated at the same
rate. In 1919 the mothers on the Infant Welfare Register are
also to receive treatment in the form of fillings and extractions at
a charge not yet fixed. Later on it is hoped that dentures will
be supplied to them at hospital cost.
The Dentist is paid £200 per annum for five half sessions a
week, and the anaesthetist £60 per annum for one half session a