USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1937 > Part 13
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Continued Confidence Needed
Only because of the confidence placed in your Superintendent and his organization by the Board of Managers and the Medical Staff are we able to report many accomplishments for the year just ended. With continued understanding and confidence we hope to be able to report greater progress for the coming year.
A little over two years ago many problems confronted the hos- pital in every department. Slowly but surely many of these have been met and solved. There are still more problems that face us and from our past experience we have reason to feel optimistic for the future.
Wages-Working Conditions
One of the difficult situations that faced the present administra- tion was that of irregularity in wages and under paid employees. In order to meet this situation a large increase in the yearly budget was necessary. A three year plan was instituted, and with the help and understanding of the Mayor and City Council, two-thirds of that problem has been solved. In view of the services rendered by all employees resulting in a greater income to the hospital, we feel confident that the Mayor and the Council will do their share in appropriating the necessary monies to carry on the plan.
To render acceptable hospital service a responsible personnel is necessary and in return a fair wage must be given to employees. The wage scale when reached at Quincy will compare favorably with the best present practice in other progressive hospitals and similar institutions.
The citizens of our community can point with pride to the good working conditions of our nurses and other employees. The Quincy City Hospital was one of the pioneers to establish an eight hour day for all employees. Space will not permit the elaboration of the many instances in which our hospital stands with other hospitals
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in the progressive methods of medical treatment as well as hos- pital administration. Like the growing and progressive community we should have a growing and progressive hospital.
More Patients Treated
The number of patients admitted in 1937 exceeded that of 1936 by 28 patients. For the first ten months of 1937 we exceeded the same period of 1936 by 1000 patient days. Due to two "healthy months", November and December of 1937, the census of the hos- pital took an unusual drop thereby ending the year with a slight increase in admissions.
"Paternity Ward"
According to statistics a large percentage of the births in Quincy were accounted for at the Quincy City Hospital. Whether the "Paternity Ward" was the cause for the 1937 increase over 1936 remains a question to be answered by our future "expectant fathers". At any rate this room has met a long felt need not only for the above purpose, but also for bereaved relatives and friends of those patients who are dangerously ill. Privacy is now possible for these visitors.
New Administration Building
It was with a great deal of pleasure that our new Administration Building was completed and occupied on April 23, 1937, and in eight months thousands of patients, friends, and relatives have benefited from the comforts and conveniences that it has offered.
Besides administrative offices, living quarters are provided for the superintendent, three assistants, two night supervisors, twelve interns, one resident, and an ambulance driver. Because of inade- quate space elsewhere, a rest room for some eighteen nurses who are living out, is located in the basement of our new building. This may be satisfactory for an emergency but certainly it should not be a permanent arrangement. For this and for financial reasons an addition to the present Nurses' Home is an immediate necessity. Your superintendent cannot recommend too strongly this long felt need at the hospital.
Staff Loses Members
It has been most unfortunate that the hospital and its friends have lost through death Dr. Nathaniel S. Hunting, Dr. Fred Jones, Dr. Roscoe Hanigan, and Mr. Joseph B. Groce, Chairman of the Board of Managers from 1935 to 1937. On the other hand we are all thankful that such fine men have made their contribution by their association, time and energy in making this a better hospital. We express to the loved ones whom they have left behind our sincere sympathy.
Alumnae Shoppe
The Nurses Alumnae Luncheonette and Gift Shop is another progressive step in meeting the needs of our patients. The store is located in the basement of the Administration Building and is a
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great convenience and time saver for all, as well as a means of raising funds for the establishment of scholarship funds for our graduate nurses.
Appreciation
Our Medical Staff has been very responsive in cooperating with the administration. May I thank the staff for their time and skillful service given to the ward patients. Words cannot express my ap- preciation to our nursing staff for rendering such thoughtful and effective care to patients who have come to our hospital this year. May we all continue to give high-class service!
To all employees of the hospital may I express my appreciation for the work and efforts displayed in helping our doctors and nurses get our patients well. It is true that patients do not often realize that all departments are dependent on each other in order to turn out a "satisfied patient" but for all these patients may I say "Thank you".
The superintendent's report would not be complete unless an expression of appreciation is recorded to the many clubs and organi- zations that have sent articles for the use of our patients at the hospital.
To the Trustees of the William B. White Fund we gratefully acknowledge with thanks their gift of a portable X-ray machine. This unit has made the taking of X-ray pictures on the wards easier and with better results.
To a grateful patient, Mrs. Walter L. Sargent, we owe thanks for her generous gift to the operating room of a Foregger re- breathing gas machine for anesthesia purposes.
To Dr. and Mrs. Frank Kenna we express our thanks for the spotlight given to the operating room.
Each gift has made for more efficient service to patients. It is always a pleasure to accept these gifts from our friends, and as time moves on we hope that our friends will continue their interests.
Social Service Fund
The Social Service Committee has been most active in their work this past year. They successfully put over their first Charity Ball. The proceeds went into the Social Service Fund out of which special nurses have been paid to furnish extra nursing care for worthy patients. The aims of this committee are to have a larger fund to do greater things for the needy patients admitted and dis- charged from the hospital. We express our words of praise and thanks to the Social Service Committee.
Local Press
The staff of the Quincy Patriot Ledger has been most cooperative in its relationship to and understanding of the hospital and its problems. May I express our appreciation to the entire Ledger Staff.
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W.P.A. & P.W.A. Projects
To Mr. Anthony Venna, director of P.W.A. work in Quincy, and his staff we are indeed thankful for the many projects that they have sponsored at the hospital this year. Their work included the construction of a corridor between the Medical and Surgical Build- ing and the Maternity and Children's Building; repairs, replastering and paintinng of Rice I; painting and plastering in the Nurses' Home and in other parts of the hospital.
Accomplishments for 1937
1. Increase in a greater number of satisfied patients.
2. Over $10,000.00 reduction in net cost to the city compared to 1936.
3. Re-approval of our School of Nursing by the State Board of Registration of Nurses in Massachusetts and New York.
4. Re-approval of the hospital by the American College of Sur- geons and American Medical Association.
5. Greater and continued confidence of the community in our hos- pital.
6. First Honorable Mention in National Hospital Day Award by the American Hospital Association in Atlantic City.
7. Completion and occupancy of our new Administration Building.
8. Replacement of dish washing equipment in Main Kitchen.
9. Replacement of cystoscopic table in the X-ray Department.
10. Replacement of portable X-ray equipment.
11. Installation of soot blower and fire box in boiler room.
12. Replacement of ice crushing machine in refrigerating plant.
13. Installation of modern bookkeeping machinery.
14. Installation of fever therapy machine.
15. Fifty-second hospital to adopt Associated Hospital Service Plan.
16. Completion of third floor corridor between M&C III and M&S III.
Looking Forward
1. Wing to Nurses' Home.
2. Short wave diathermy machine.
3. Suction therapy machine.
4. Ice cream freezer and storage cabinet.
5. Over-bed tables and fracture beds.
6. Addition to Service Building for employees' and doctors' dining rooms.
7. Sound proofing of remaining wards and kitchens.
8. Enclosure of porches, glass solaria.
9. Resuscitating machine.
10. Air conditioning, and humidifier for infants' nursery.
11. Anesthesia machine.
12. Fracture cart.
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Suggested Gifts
1. Medical books and journals for the Medical Library.
2. Books and magazines for the Library in School of Nursing.
3. Donations to the student nurses' and interns' funds.
4. Books and magazines for patients' library.
5. Clothing, toys, for the Children's Ward.
6. Used piano and new furnishings for the Staff Lounge.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH P. LEONE, M.D., Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL OF NURSING OF THE QUINCY CITY HOSPITAL
To the Board of Managers of the Quincy City Hospital:
GENTLEMEN :
The year 1937 ends with the following census in the nursing department:
Superintendent of Nurses
1
Assistant Superintendent of Nurses
1
Instructors 2
Ward Instructor 1
Obstetric Supervisor 1
Operating Room Supervisor
1
Night Supervisor 1
Assistant Night Supervisor 1
Head Nurses (day)
Head Nurses (night)
1
Assistant Head Nurses
4
Graduate Staff Duty Nurses
75
Intermediate Students
12
Junior Students
7
Preliminary Students 15
From the two upper classes nine students are away on affiliation, three at the Charles V. Chapin Hospital in Providence and six at Bellevue Hospital in New York. The preliminary students are on duty in the wards for only a limited period of time each day, there- fore the bulk of the nursing care is carried by the graduate staff duty nurses.
There have been but few changes among the charge nurses dur- ing the year and any vacancies which have occurred have been filled by promoting staff nurses in service.
In June the school was visited by Miss Josephine Valentine, Supervisor, from the New York State Board of Nurse Examiners and by Miss Elizabeth Sullivan, Supervisor, from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Nurses. The report of their survey was constructive and helpful. It has been possible for us to meet several of the recommendations made for the development of the school.
In May a ward instructor was added to our staff. Her duties are limited primarily to the ward teaching program and assisting the students at the bedside. It is generally conceded that only as the
9
Senior Students 15
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REPORT OF CITY HOSPITAL
student practices good nursing techniques daily does she become an efficient, skillful graduate nurse. Time studies have shown that head-nurses in busy wards are occupied three-fourths of their time with the duties of ward management. Ward teaching under those circumstances becomes incidental to the more pressing duties. It was therefore gratifying to be able to have one graduate appointed to the Medical and Surgical Wards whose chief duties are in cor- relating the classroom teaching with the student's clinical experi- ence.
The majority of our supervisors and head nurses are enrolled for evening courses in nearby colleges, for some type of post-graduate study in education. In common with other progressive schools we are encouraging our staff in these plans.
Changes in Clinical Experience and the Curriculum
Beginning in September, all our students will be given one month experience in the out-patient department at Bellevue Hospital. This will increase the affiliation from six to seven months and will give the students an opportunity to observe the ambulatory patients with the types of illness seldom encountered in hospital wards. We believe this type of experience is essential for all students and especially for those who are preparing to enter the field of public health nursing.
In order to give the students a more comprehensive insight into health work of a preventive nature we have added to the course of study a series of talks covering various aspects of public health and these talks are supplemented by visits to health clinics. This plan was made possible through the cooperation of Dr. Richard Ash, Director of the Quincy City Health Department, and several mem- bers of the nursing staff from that Department. Mrs. Grace Lee, Supervisor of the Quincy Visiting Nurse Association, has also as- sisted us in this course with a demonstration of the nursing tech- niques for a home visit in addition to talks on generalized nursing.
The short course in Dermatology has been increased to include six hours on Nursing in Diseases of the Skin. The course in Psy- chiatry has likewise been increased to include an equal number of hours in Psychiatric Nursing. Effort has been made in all courses to emphasize the nursing care of the patient with special considera- tion to the mental and social factors involved, as well as the physical.
Members of the Medical Staff continue to give generously of their time to assist us in carrying on the educational program of the school. We are indeed indebted to them for the many excellent lectures and clinics, a number of which are repeated twice each year.
The health supervision and medical care of our graduate and student nurses are carried gratuitously by members of the Medical Staff and for this generous service we are most grateful. Dr. Cor- nelius J. Lynch, President of the Medical Staff, has taken care of all the routine yearly health examinations of the student nurses.
Graduation Exercises
Graduation exercises were held on the afternoon of June fifteenth. Mr. Guy W. Hart, representing the Board of Managers, presided. Miss Anna K. McGibbon, Principal of the School of Nursing, Butler
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Hospital, gave the address. In a stimulating talk she urged the young graduates to continue with their education and as they accu- mulated a greater degree of scientific knowledge to endeavor to acquire more human understanding, thus broadening their scope of usefulness. In a concluding sentence she said, "the world has need of nurses who possess intelligence, habits of industry, social mindedness, and broad understandings."
Diplomas were presented to twelve young women by Dr. Na- thaniel S. Hunting. His short informal talk to the class was filled with practical advice and given in the kindly manner that comes from one who has acquired the broad understandings of the true humanitarian.
Such a gentleman was Dr. Hunting and, in his recent death, the school of nursing lost a valued friend. Dr. Hunting served for many years as a member of the Training School Committee. His wise counsel will be missed by members of the committee.
As we look ahead to the new year we realize that, in common with other schools of nursing in the country, we have challenging problems to be solved. Methods in nursing education cannot be static if we are to prepare young women for effective service in the care of the sick and the prevention of disease. Our objectives for the ensuing year may well point a course for the continued progress of the school:
1. Increase the four months preliminary course to six months.
2. Admit one class each year as soon as student enrollment indi- cates it to be a feasible plan.
3. Provide an elective course in Psychiatric Nursing which should eventually be part of the required program for all students.
4. Gradually adjust our curriculum and plan of clinical experi- ence in the "Curriculum Guide for Schools of Nursing".
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN O. POTTER, R.N., Superintendent of Nurses.
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REPORT OF CITY HOSPITAL
REPORT OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Managers of the Quincy City Hospital : GENTLEMEN :
The Social Service Department of the Quincy City Hospital has completed its fifth year. 954 cases have been referred for study and treatment. 1142 home visits have been made by members of the staff; 49 patients have been placed in convalescent homes; 15 patients have been transferred to other hospitals for specialized treatment; 11 foster home placements; 7 patients were furnished with orthopedic appliances. 3 layettes were furnished to mothers on the obstetrical service. During the year a worker has driven on the average of 3 to 5 patients three times weekly to the hospital for physical therapy treatment. 268 unsettled cases this past year have been referred to the Department of Public Welfare for reim- bursement.
Pre-Natal Clinic
131 new patients were admitted by the Social Service Department to the Pre-Natal Clinic during this past year.
On each clinic day Mrs. Murphy, the knitting instructor from the W.P.A., came to the hospital to give instructions in the knitting of baby garments to the patients attending the clinic. The depart- ment furnished 34 patients with yarn and 10 patients with knitting needles.
Family Welfare
The department wishes at this time to extend its sincere apprecia- tion to the Quincy Family Welfare Society for the cooperation of Miss Effie Waddell and her staff.
Welfare Department
The Quincy Welfare Department have been most helpful through- out the year, and we wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Commissioner Alvin Wight.
Visiting Nurse Association
At this time we wish to say how grateful we are to Mrs. Grace Lee, and her staff of nurses who have been so cooperative in giving care when needed to patients who have been discharged from the hospital to their homes but require some nursing care for a period of time.
Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club this past year have assumed financial responsi- bility for 35 tonsillectomy cases.
Quincy Catholic Club
The department sincerely appreciates the cooperation it has re- ceived from the members of the Quincy Catholic Club.
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CITY OF QUINCY
Social Service Committee
The Social Service Committee serving for the year 1937 are as follows:
Miss Carolyn Walker, Chairman
Miss Helen Gavin
Miss Marjorie Welch
Mrs. Everett Robbie
Mrs. William Martin
Mrs. Earle Baker
Mrs. William Yorke
Mrs. Malcolm Sargent
Mr. Guy Hart
Dr. Joseph P. Leone
Mrs. Hilda M. LaRocca, Secretary
On October 16, 1937 the Social Service Committee sponsored a ball which was held at the Quincy Armory. The proceeds from this ball were to establish a Social Service Fund for the hospital. This fund will be used to provide orthopedic appliances; special nursing care; blood donors for transfusions; and any other emergency care which the patients might require, but due to economic conditions are unable to pay for this service.
It is with the deepest of gratitude that the director of the depart- ment extends her appreciation to the committee members and each individual who helped to make this affair an outstanding success.
The members of the Social Service Department wish to extend to the Board of Managers, the Superintendent, Dr. Joseph P. Leone, and the Medical Staff, their appreciation for cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HILDA M. LaROCCA, Director.
REPORT OF THE DIETARY DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Managers of the Quincy City Hospital:
GENTLEMEN :
To offset the rise of prices in food throughout the year, rigid economy was practiced in the Dietary Department to eliminate all unnecessary waste. The average per capita cost was $0.424.
The number of special diets fluctuated with the census and dur- ing the year there were a total of 6046 diets, 1850 of which were Diabetic, and 1565 Salt Free Low Protein.
The cooking laboratory was moved from the service building to the hospital. This has relieved the congestion in the Diet Kitchen during classes.
A new dishwashing machine was installed to replace the old one. In order to make more room in the cafeteria a small room was
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REPORT OF CITY HOSPITAL
built as a dishwashing room. This has eliminated much of the noise in the cafeteria. A stainless steel table and sink was also installed in this dishwashing room.
Other new equipment includes a stainless steel sink and work table in the Diet Kitchen, and a small mixing machine.
Respectfully submitted,
MOLLIE ROBINSON MICHELMAN, Head Dietitian.
REPORT OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Managers of the Quincy City Hospital:
GENTLEMEN :
The following is an itemized report of the work accomplished by the Maintenance Department for the year 1937:
Materials furnished for W.P.A. Projects $ 1,325 07
Materials for five rooms in Nurses' Home 580 39
Materials for new equipment 941 85
Materials for maintenance 8,171 61
Total cost of materials for Maintenance Department $11,018 92
Work Done by Maintenance Department During 1937
1526 requisitions for repairs from various departments in the hospital.
Altering dispensary in Nurses' Home to five rooms.
Alterations in Diet Kitchen; changing and equipping dishwash- ing room.
Fireproofing the combustible storage room for Pharmacy.
Changing and equipping old drug storage room to Diet Laboratory.
Altering Maintenance Department store room and tool room.
Equipping Nurses Alumnae Luncheonette.
Piping soot blowers in boiler room.
Piping and installing new damper regulator with necessary altera- tions in boiler room.
Installation of new metal clothes chute in basement of M&C building.
Made ten cracked ice boxes for ward utility rooms.
Made fever therapy cabinet for Physio-Therapy Department.
Made bladder irrigating and test instruments.
Made twenty oxygen therapy applicators with seventy-five cellu- loid cones.
Made forceps for cotton sponges.
Alterations in Laundry in preparation for new extractor and flat work ironer and installation of extractor and ironer.
Reconditioned and reinstalled small extractor.
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CITY OF QUINCY
Major Repairs in 1937
Hoist shive regrooved and new hoist cables installed in M&C elevator.
Installed hoist cables in M&S elevator.
Repaired side and bridge walls in No. 3 boiler.
Repaired chamber and jacket in surgery dressing sterilizer.
Repaired deep therapy X-ray machine.
New flooring in hall and toilets of Faxon Home.
New Equipment Furnished by Maintenance Department
Damper regulator for boilers.
Soot blowers for boilers.
Duplicate transmitter for paging system.
Equipment in Diet Kitchen and dishwashing room.
New clothes chute for M&C basement.
Bin for scrap storage truck.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL ERIKSSON, Chief Engineer.
REPORT OF HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Managers of the Quincy City Hospital : GENTLEMEN :
The new equipment which has been installed in the Laundry during the year 1937 consists of an up-to-date Troy mangle and ex- tractor. These machines are very powerful and dry the clothes more rapidly than the former apparatus.
There has been a saving in floor wax since the department makes its own.
The annual Christmas party for hospital employees was greatly enjoyed by the Housekeeping Department.
Respectfully submitted, CATHERINE LAUDER, Housekeeper.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE STAFF
To the Board of Managers of the Quincy City Hospital : GENTLEMEN :
Another year has ended and the Quincy City Hospital Staff has continued to render its usual efficient service, freely giving their
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REPORT OF CITY HOSPITAL
time and skill, and working hand in hand with the administra- tive and executive departments. All three are producing a service worthy and in keeping with the high ideals and best traditions of the medical profession which they so well represent. I consider it a privilege and an honor to report for them.
The Staff regrets the passing of some of its outstanding members during the year. In reporting the deaths of Dr. Nathaniel S. Hunting, Dr. Roscoe S. K. Hanigan, Dr. Fred E. Jones, and Dr. Maria Drew we devoutly submit to the laws of Divine Providence and stand silently and respectfully at attention, together with the legion of their true friends left behind. When our time comes, may we as well merit the just reward they so truly earned. "Well done, good and faithful servants".
Respectfully submitted,
CORNELIUS J. LYNCH, M.D., Staff President.
REPORT OF THE INTERNS COMMITTEE
. To the President of the Staff of the Quincy City Hospital:
DEAR SIR:
For the year 1937, five meetings of the Interns Committee were held. The first meeting with the new committee, consisting of Dr. Walter L. Sargent, Chairman, Dr. Daniel Reardon, Dr. Charles S. Adams, Dr. William J. McCausland, was held on February 10, at which time the subject of resident was discussed. Dr. George W. Davis was unanimously elected to the position.
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