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126
Estimates.
The following information is submitted as the basis of the 1937 estimate of new Health
Centre (2).
(1) Orthopaedics.
This work has rapidly increased. In 1934, there were 8,000 clinic attendances and it was on
this figure that the 1935 estimate was based. But, in 1936, there were 10,000 clinic attendances and
it was on this figure that the 1937 estimate has been based.
Similarly, in 1934-35, the estimated cost of hospital orthopaedic cases was £500 but, in the
1937-38 estimates, the sum included is £800 based on the expenditure of the previous year.
(2) Artificial Sunlight and Minor Skin Conditions.
The 1935 estimate did not include the surgical and X-ray treatment of minor skin conditions
to which the Skin Specialist drew attention in his 1935 report published in 1936.
(6) X-ray Department.
This was not included in the 1935 estimate. As explained above under "General," the provision
here made will enable all diagnostic and curative X-ray work to be done at this Centre for the whole
of Willesden with the necessary consultations betewen the medical staff and the technician employed
in X-ray work and consequent benefit to the patients.
(10) Dentistry; and
(13) Dental Mechanics and Orthodontic Work.
This matter is dealt with under "Dental Work" above.
(11) Pharmacy.
This was not included in the 1935 estimates but with the increasing attendances and additional
work, this provision is necessary.
(12) Children 1-5 years.
This work was not included in the 1935 estimate but it is work that the department have been
striving to do for years but have been unable to do on account of lack of accommodation and staff.
The Ministry of Health Circular issued in 1936 exhorted the Council to undertake this work and in
their reply to the Minister the Council promised to do so when Health Centre (2) was rebuilt.
As explained under "Medical Work" above, it is difficult to separate this provision from the
present excessive work of Health Centre (2) doctors.
(14) Squint Clinic.
This was not included in the 1935 estimate as this form of treatment was first reported on by
the Council's Eye Specialist in his report in 1935, published in 1936. This provision is made in other
areas, e.g., Hendon.
(15) Throat, Nose and Ear Conditions.
This provision exists at Health Centre (1) and Health Centre (3) but cannot be arranged for
at Health Centre (2) until accommodation is provided.
(16) Staff.
Many of these items are not strictly the result of a new Health Centre but represent the
provisions necessary to cope with the increased work which already exists and is not in fact accomplished.
These provisions were not included in the 1935 estimate which dealt only with new Health
Centre (2). The work, however, has greatly increased since 1935 and without the extension of Health
Centre (2) it is impossible to make provision to cope with existing work which continues to increase.
(20) Miscellaneous.
All these items are corollaries to the various preceding items in the estimate dated 2nd April,
1937.
Recommendations.
Having regard to all the foregoing considerations, I am of opinion that the Council should proceed
as rapidly as possible with
(1) the building of new Health Centre (2);
(2) the extension of Health Centre (3);
(3) the acquisition of a suitable site for a new Health Centre (1) at a point which would be
convenient for the South Kilburn and Kensal Rise areas.
GEORGE F. BUCHAN,
Medical Officer of Health.