London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Croydon 1937

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]

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119
treated in the wards ; the other patients attended the dental surgery
in the Sanatorium. Patients were treated only if, in the opinion
of the Resident Medical Superintendent, they were sufficiently fit.

Review of Work Done.

Males.Females.Total.
Number examined7661137
Referred Treatment7660136
Treated4956105
Attendances184283467
Extractions167176343
Fillings31120151
Dressings205575
Scalings and Gum Treatments5659115
Denture Dressings431457
Dentures fitted9514

Sessions treatment, 43 ; Cases X-rayed, 2.
The work accomplished at Cheam during the year has well
maintained the average of previous yars. An encouraging feature
is that conservative measures have formed a great part of the treatment.
The amount of 18s. 8d. was taken in attendance fees during
the year, at Lodge Road.
TUBERCULOSIS AFTER-CARE COMMITTEE.
During 1937 the Care Committee assisted 96 tubercular patients
and their families. Grants for extra nourishment were made in 19
cases, bedding was provided in 8 cases, fares were paid to enable
relatives to visit the patient in two cases; grants for clothing,
surgical instruments and help with the cost of dentures comprising
the remainder. In two instances the Committee assisted with the
payment of arrears of insurance.
The increased strain of modern conditions tells especially on the
tubercular patient. The system prevalent of buying a house on
mortgage, furniture on hire purchase and clothes by weekly payments
means that the weekly budget for food is cut down to a
veiy fine margin, and any reduction of the weekly earnings has
serious consequences. Thus the breadwinner, in many cases, feels
impelled to remain at work when he is no longer fit to do so or to
retum to work against medical advice.