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The claims of Old Coulsdon residents have not, however, been forgotten,
and it is proposed that a Centre be established there in October,
1937.
Reviewing the figures for the year, it will be seen that 502 new
cases attended, while the total attendance of old and new cases was
12,519. These figures represent increases of 75 and 1,787 on the preceding
year, and increases of 248 and 5,817 on the year 1931 ; that is to
say, the attendance at the Centres has almost doubled itself in the last
five years.
The increase in new cases this year was most marked at the Brighton
Road Centre, there being 29 more than in 1935, as compared with 17
at Selsdon and 9 at Kenley, while the new cases at Rickman Hill decreased
by one.
On the other hand, the average and total attendances increased at
Selsdon far more than at the other Centres. The average attendance
there increased from 61 to 81 per session, while Brighton Road increased
from 58 to 70 per session, and Kenley from 49 to 53. The slight drop
in the average attendance at Rickman Hill from 58 to 56 was probably
associated with the epidemics which have chiefly affected the area served
by that Centre.
There can be no doubt of the importance and appreciation of this
work, for which there is no provision by any other agency in the District.
If additional proof is required, the fact that approximately 62 per cent.
of the newly-born babies notified as being born in the District attended
one or other of the Centres during 1936 should be conclusive evidence.
This figure of 62 per cent. represents an increase of 3 per cent. on 1935.
No alteration in the Consultants at the Centres has occurred during
the year. Dr. Janet Michael has continued at the Brighton Road Centre,
and Dr. Constance Hildred has extended her work at Selsdon by taking
over the new Sanderstead Centre in order to ensure co-operation between
these two Centres. The Medical Officer of Health attends the Kenley
and Rickman Hill Centres.
Each of the Centres shows a slight increase in the number of consultations
per session visited by a Doctor, but it is undesirable for the
efficiency of the work that the average number seen should exceed 25
per session. In the two Centres at which this has occurred it is hoped
that relief will be forthcoming by the opening of new Centres. If,
however, this does not result, additional attendance by the doctors
concerned will probably be desirable.
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