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securing of prompt and efficient treatment in the early stages through
the family doctor or other agency.
Dental Treatment.
The Scheme for the dental treatment of ante-natal and nursing
mothers and children under 5 years of age, which was launched in 1034,
again increased in efficiency and popularity.
During the year 90 cases were treated by those Dental Surgeons
in the District who had signified their willingness to serve under the
Scheme, as compared with 69, 45 and 33 in the preceding three years.
While this Scheme remains slightly ponderous and rather more
expensive for the individual than could be desired, treatment is commenced
more expeditiously than hitherto owing to the application of
an income scale permitting agreements being entered into immediately
the estimates of the Dental Surgeons are received. The application
of this scale was extended during the year to include the provision of
dentures.
The numbers treated to date have not justified any alteration in
the present Scheme for utilising the part-time services of a panel of
Dental Surgeons, this appearing to be the best arrangement that can
be made as yet to deal with the demand so far experienced in this
District.
Eye Defects.
Arrangements were made during the year whereby children suffering
from eye defects are referred by appointment to special sessions for young
children held at the Surrey County Council's Clinic in Whytecliffe Road,
Purley.
The merit of this Scheme, apart from the reduction in travelling
for most residents, is that continuity of treatment can be obtained, the
same Ophthalmic Specialist continuing to see the child if it subsequently
enters a public elementary school in the District.
Convalescent Treatment.
In February, 1938, the Council decided to include an item in the
estimates in order to provide that mothers and children under 5 years
of age whose physical condition made a period of convalescent treatment
desirable, but who would not otherwise be able to secure such treatment
owing to the financial circumstances of the family, could in approved
cases be assisted in obtaining such treatment. During the remainder
of the year one case was assisted in this way.
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