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52
meeting this request appropriate follow-up measures are instituted.
Whilst at present it is not possible to register a
universal acceptance, special thanks must be accorded to medical
staff for their continued efforts in this field.
One of the year's unsought problems has been that of
providing dental facilities for expectant and nursing mothers
and young children residing at New Addington, during the enforced
closure of the Overbury Clinic. As an interim measure
one unit at the Dental Clinic at Shirley Road was allocated for
this purpose, so that patients could continue to receive
attention from their usual dentist. Had it not been for the
intervention of the bus dispute, which involved a somewhat
lengthy period of broken appointments, there is little doubt
that a reasonably adequate service could have been maintained.
Plans for the introduction of a relief surgery at the
Overbury Clinic, completed during the general reconstruction of
the main school building, should result in greatly improved
amenities for all residing in this area.
As soon as staffing permits it is hoped that a limited
number of visits will be possible by dentists to Welfare Centres
to stimulate interest in this side of the work.
Because of impending developments in the Duppas Hill area,
the use of the clinic premises at the Waldrons Hall must be
considered of limited duration. Efforts to secure alternative
accommodation in this neighbourhood have so far met with little
success, and it is probable, therefore, that arrangements will
have to be considered in one of the adjoining schools.
Expectant and Nursing Mothers
The total number of expectant and nursing mothers referred
from all sources was 410, compared with 464 in 1957. As was the
case in the previous year the greater proportion of these were
sent from the Ante-Natal Clinic. Owing to the fact that these
patients are usually also seen at pre-natal clinics, few cases
are normally referred from the Municipal Midwives' Service, and
then chiefly for relief of pain. The number of forms received
from Welfare Centres continues to be disappointing. Except in
understaffed areas, waiting time before receiving initial
appointments is in general reasonably short. The percentage of
mothers failing to attend for their dental examination was 27
per cent. against 28 per cent. in 1957.