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present position will be found in the appropriate section of this
report.
Running concurrently with the general programme of expansion,
the scheme for the re-organisation and refitting of existing
surgeries has continued, with the object of rendering older clinics
more up-to-date and improving working conditions for those
already in the Service. Besides normal replacements, sundry
new items of equipment have been added, including several
operating lights of a modern type which should benefit both
patient and operator.
Clinic Accommodation
Shortage in surgery accommodation continues to be the
largest single factor affecting the day to day function of the
Scheme, and because of time lags inherent in any building
programme no new premises have become available during the
past year.
The newly-adopted surgery at the Overbury School continues
to function smoothly and facilities are obviously well appreciated
by local residents; unfortunately more recent building developments
on the New Addington Estate have largely surpassed the
ability of this surgery to deal with the increased demand for
treatment. To ease this situation work for certain schools in the
Monks Hill district has temporarily been withdrawn to the Lodge
Road Centre, until alternative accommodation can be provided
at the projected premises at Stroud Green.
Plans for this new Centre, which will contain a Twin Surgery
Unit and Ancillary accommodation, are now well advanced and
it is hoped that a commencement of building will be possible
during the early summer of 1954. In addition to relieving the
New Addington Clinic the Stroud Green Dental Centre will also
cater for all existing and proposed schools in the Woodside,
Glade and Shirley areas.
Inspections.
The number of children on the register at maintained schools
within the Borough at the close of 1953 was 34,287. Including
an additional 83 free-place scholars at grant assisted schools, this
represents a sum total of 34,370.