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Assistance with Dentures, etc.
Ordinary extractions were made in 8 cases (1 woman, 7 children); extractions
with local anaesthetic were made in 9 cases (all women), and with general
anæsthetic in 69 cases, including 26 children. Scalings were carried out in 14 cases
(13 women). Small fillings were provided in 34 cases, including 12 children.
Dentures were provided for 24 patients, 11 were required to pay the whole cost,
11 contributed towards the cost, and in the remaining 2 cases where the patients
were very poor the dentures were provided free. In 11 cases dentures were repaired
and dressings were given in 8 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 cost 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 1927.
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 ana
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 277 applicants received free or assisted milk under the
Scheme. This number included 120 who were receiving such assistance at the
end of the year 1926. Grants were made in 157 new cases At the end of the
year 1927, 140 cases were receiving assistance, viz.: —