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13
Whilst during the greater part of the year the envisaged
"build-up" at the Shirley centre had been proceeding satisfactorily,
recent events at New Addington, involving the "occupation"
of one surgery, have caused serious repercussions and
necessitated a partial replanning of treatment arrangements for
this area. To maintain a reasonable balance a number of local
Schools will until further notice be required to attend at the
Lodge Road Centre, though as far as possible this change will be
confined to more Senior Departments. Should the remaining Dental
Unit be unable to cope with the present situation, additional
measures will be taken as required.
In the South Norwood area where shortage of staff has led to
some lag in treatment, additional sessions have again been introduced,
and it is hoped that the position will improve in the
immediate future.
As stated in last year's Report, the position in south Croydon
is likely to become more difficult, particularly with regard
to meeting requirements for children at the new Senior Schools.
The present Clinic, situated in rented premises, is seriously
below standard and cannot be satisfactorily extended. The provision
in the vicinity of more adequate facilities will therefore
have to be considered in the not far distant future.
Staffing
The position in this respect remains substantially the same
as in the previous year, with a continued lack of applicants for
full-time posts. Fortunately assistance of a part-time nature
is still forthcoming, if on a somewhat limited scale. Though
helpful to a point it should be kept in mind that the introduction
of multiple personnel, particularly over short periods, does
create serious administrative problems, besides detracting from
the personal character of the treatment.
Whatever future trends may be, the full-time officer will
continue to represent the cornerstone of the Service, and for
this reason every possible incentive must be offered to encourage
a higher proportion of graduates from training Hospitals to
specialise in this most vital work.
The total of Staff, including the Orthodontic Consultant,
now comprises six Full-time and four Part-time Dentists, representing
the equivalent of 7.5 Full-time Officers.