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12 <br />HEALTH D]EPARTIVIENT <br />Some readily apparent issues may be addressed with the facility <br />relocations under construction. I have not reviewed those plans <br />nor visited the construction sites as I compile these notes. <br />Space issues and multiple service locations create logistical <br />issues associated with staffing, equipment, office space and <br />record management. A case in point is the two dental clinics <br />that the county attempts to operate. Neither is equipped with <br />equipment sufficient to meet today's modern dental treatment <br />needs. Equipment is a mix of hand-me-down or out-dated <br />discounted fixtures not found in modern dental offices. Space is <br />cramped and not indicative of quality services offered. BOTH <br />locations are difficult to find with limited parking and/or access. <br />I know the new complex at the old Wal-Mart is a planned <br />improvement and discussion has occurred regarding the rental <br />space in Carrboro. Equally sited services are great except: <br />staffing, hours of operation and equipment used are not of a <br />level of quality associated with the expenses generated either in <br />efficiency or effectiveness. A suggestion is offered in section <br />Number 3 of this submission. <br />Filing systems and the condition of those systems within the <br />health department, as in other departments is ineffective, <br />inefficient, and of questionable security. This should improve <br />with relocations. A suggestion is offered later. <br />I do not know how closely the Health Department works with <br />DSS other than through their collocations. There is opportunity <br />for further collaboration as discussed elsewhere. I would define <br />the Health Department operations along traditional lines except <br />for some of its interactions on environmental issues. Some of <br />those aspects might be better coordinated through more <br />s <br />