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37
Omitting thE cost of fitting up the Centre, the average cost per child has been 18s, 6d,
(eighteen shillings and sixpence) and the average cost per attendance 10d. (tenpence).
Dr. Beaumont gave his services free of charge for the first six months, but a fee of
1½ guineas per consultation has been paid since September 1st, 1925.
The average cost, therefore, during the first six months was less than it will be in future.
Assuming the doctor's fee had been paid throughout the entire period, the average cost per
child would have been £1 16s. 6d. (one pound, sixteen shillings and sixpence), and the average
cost per attendance 1s. 8d. (one shilling and eightpence).
No part of the salary of the Superintendent has so far been allocated to this particular
work, the duties being performed as part of the work of the Welfare Centre.
The average cost of current per hour with all three lamps working is about one shilling.
With better organisation it has recently been found possible to treat from 35 to 40
children at each consultation. If this average can be maintained, the cost per attendance and
per child should show a reduction in future.
The clinical details in this report have been based on notes supplied by Dr. Beamont,
who states that his general impression of the ten months' work is good, the results have been
gratifying, and in some cases exceptionally so, both for rapidity of action and permanence.
He considers the work of the Artificial Light Clinic will have real and lasting value, and has
immense possibilities.
I am, etc.,
G. Sowden,
Medical Officer of Health.
The Borough Council's Denial Clinic, 40, Arygle Square.
At this clinic dental treatment is provided for mothers and children who attend the
various Maternity and Child Welfare Centres in the Borough. Consultations had been held
twice weekly (on Monday and Wednesday), but owing to the steady increase in the number
of patients this amount of time proved to be insufficient, and since March 30th, 1925, an
additional consultation has been held on alternate Fridays.
No charge is made for extractions, fillings or scaling; but the patients are expected to
contribute what they can reasonably afford towards the cost of dentures.