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63
It was with some doubts and regrets that on the 1st April
1965, we changed from the Essex County Council to the new
London Borough of Redbridge. This changeover also meant the
amalgamation of Woodford and Wanstead into the new borough
which considerably increased the school population. The
dental services increased by one surgery at 93 High Road,
Woodford, and by 5/7 of the surgery at Manford Way. Prior to
April 1965 this clinic was shared by Ilford, Woodford and
Dagenham. Manford Way Clinic is now for the complete use of
the Borough of Redbridge.
Staffing With eight surgeries and only 5 5/llths equivalent full-
time Dental Officers it has meant spreading the staff in order
to try and cover as many children as possible. Two full-time
Officers dividing their time between four surgeries. At the
time of the formation of the London Borough of Redbridge I lost
the services of the newly appointed Senior Dental Officer, Mr.
Hodgson, who was appointed Principal School Dental Officer
for the London Borough of Havering.
In May Dental Officer, Mr. Toolsey, was appointed Senior
Dental Officer and although efforts have been made to replace
the vacant posts of dental officers so far it has not been
possible.
Mrs. Kimelman, Dental Officer at the Woodford Clinic, was
transferred to Redbridge and has continued at this surgery. It
will be appreciated that although the school population has
greatly increased to over 30,000 the dental staff is the same
as prior to April 1965.
In the latter part of the year it was decided to try and
obtain the services of a Dental Auxiliary. Although one has not
yet been appointed I have every hope of obtaining one in the
near future. These Auxiliaries working under a Dental Officer
could be of considerable value especially with young children.
Premises Two dental clinics are of the adapted type. These are
obviously not ideal. However, a clinic with two surgeries will
be built on the site of the present Woodford Clinic to replace
the one surgery and another new surgery in the southern part of
the borough is envisaged in the next year or two. This will
help to bring the dental services nearer to the school children.
The location of two double surgeries in close proximity is
proving unsatisfactory owing to the distance that some children
are having to travel. Attendance is therefore poor. One of the
adapted surgeries (Valentines) will no doubt be transferred
when the new Loxford Lane Clinic is in operation. The children