[Report 1971] / Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer of Health, Southend-on-Sea Borough.

  • Southend-on-Sea (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1971
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1971] / Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer of Health, Southend-on-Sea Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/96 (page 10)
    REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL DENTAL OFFICER Maternity Service Pre-School Service There was a small increase in the number of first inspections carried out in this group. Unfortunately 86% of patients required treatment. During the year there was an increase of 300% in the number of teeth conserved. I conclude that the reason why this group's demand for treatment, at Local Authority Clinics, remains small is due to the fact that there is a good General Dental Practitioner Service in the area. The numbers of children in this group seeking routine dental treatment remains small. The only discouraging aspect was an increase of 400% in the emergency classification. Though there was an increase in the number of children attending for first inspections it was unfortunate to see 65% required treatment. It is hoped that the introduction of a recall system may help reduce the emergency aspect of this service. An approach has been made to the Nursery Schools in the Borough to try and organise dental health talks to parents and arrange pre-school dental inspections. Next year it is hoped to be able to report how successful this scheme has been. SECTION 23 - MIDWIFERY SERVICE The midwives conducted 329 deliveries to mothers in their own homes, an increase of 22 on the previous year. 1012 mothers were discharged from hospital before the 10th day and nursed by the midwives. Nursing visits totalled 14,891 and 4,953 ante-natal visits were made to expectant mothers at home. Trilene was administered on 218 occasions. Pethedine and Pethilorfan was given to 196 mothers in labour. One midwife resigned and Miss Knight was appointed to replace her. 12 pupil midwives still come to the district for Part 11 training. All were successful in passing their examination. Guthrie blood tests are carried out on all infants born at home and also to those discharged early from hospital. The pocket radios are now an essential part of the midwives equipment. 3 midwives attended statutory refresher courses. Twice annually a statutory refresher course organised by the Royal College of Midwives is held at Westcliff. This year 20 members from these courses visited the community for one day each.