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23
The calculated full cost during 1934 for each class of ailment treated was:—
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, 18s.; Minor ailments, 7s. 5d.; Dental treatment,
7s.; X-ray treatment for ringworm, 26s. 4d.
For many years the prescribed charge made by the Council to parents of children
in elementary schools in respect of medical and dental treatment of school children
was 2s., covering all necessary treatment for a period of 6 months. In the case of
minor ailments free treatment has been given for the first fortnight after which
1s. is charged, and where slight treatment only has been given in dental cases, the
charge has been 1s. The charge for operative treatment of enlarged tonsils and
adenoids was increased from 2s. to 5s. in April, 1932. All children operated on
under the Council's scheme are retained in the various centres as in-patients.
Parents appreciate the care and attention given to their children in the wards, and
it was found that some were desirous of giving more than the amount charged, as
a mark of their appreciation. In those dental cases where extensive treatment is
undertaken, including the administration of an anaesthetic, the charge was increased
to 3s., the normal charge for ordinary cases remaining at 2s. The aim of the dental
service is to secure that the children commence treatment in the early stages of dental
decay, when teeth can be saved. Accordingly, with a view to encouraging early
treatment, 1s. only has been charged when slight treatment only has been necessary.
So far as those parents who are unable to pay are concerned, it is made clear to