View report page

90
Assistance with Dentures, etc.
Extractions with local anæsthetic were made in 23 cases (21 women and 2
children), and with general anæesthetic in 72 cases, including 32 children. Scalings
were carried out in 76 cases (all women). Small fillings were provided in 155 cases,
including 59 children, and root fillings in 11 cases (mothers). Dentures were
provided for 19 patients, 4 were required to pay the whole cost, 13 contributed
towards the cost, and in the remaining 2 cases where the patients were very poor
the dentures were provided free. In 2 cases dentures were remodelled; 1 was
repaired and dressings were given in 29 cases. In the provision of dentures the
cost is based on the charge approved for the time being for dentists on the Ministry
of Pensions Panel.
Supply of Milk and Food for Expectant and Nursing Mothers and for Infants.
The supply of milk and food at less than coot price was continued during the
year under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918, for: —
(a) Nursing Mothers;
(b) Expectant mothers in the last three months of pregnancy;
(c) Children up to three years of age and, exceptionally, to children between
three and five years of age.
Scale of Necessity.
The approved scale of necessity adopted by the Council on the 14th October,
1921, continued in force during the year 1926.
Applications received for milk free or at less than cost price are carefully
investigated. Enquiries are made to verify statements of wages and other income;
information is obtained from the Guardians of the Poor as to relief given for
unemployment or other necessitous conditions. Other possible sources of assistance
are investigated, and all practicable steps taken to prevent overlapping. The
applications are considered by an Assistance Sub-Committee of the Maternity and
Child Welfare Committee meeting fortnightly for the purpose. Where grants are
made the cases are reviewed by the Sub-Committee at intervals not exceeding
one month.
During the year 233 applicants received free or assisted milk under the
Scheme. This number included 121 who were receiving such assistance at the
end of the year 1925. Grants were made in 112 new cases. At the end of the
year 1926, 120 cases were receiving assistance, viz., free milk 92, milk at halfprice
19. Prepared milk free 6. half-price 3.