USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1940 > Part 14
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Up to the time of his death, his donations exceeded $207,000, not counting various annual gifts given from time to time for needed equipment or special purposes. Under his will, he generously provided for further gifts, of which $155,000 has already been received and added to the permanent funds. Further- more, his will directed that the residue of his estate, after the termination of the life interest of his widow, should be paid to the hospital.
A new and much needed nurses' dormitory was built in 1940 through the generosity of the late Mrs. Darrah who left the hospital approximately $40,000 in her will and further provided that the proceeds of a trust of $20,000 are to come to the hospital after the life tenancy of the present beneficiary. The new building, fully equipped, cost $50,000 and has been named "The Fisher-Darrah Dormitory" in honor of the donor, Mrs. Sarah Fisher Darrah.
We now have an up-to-date 125 bed hospital with a replacement value for the plant of approximately $600 000, well nigh complete in its appointments with well-equipped and competently administered X-Ray, Laboratory and Phy- siotherapy departments.
A capable and devoted staff of physicians, superintendent and nurses, a consulting staff of physicians and surgeons of wide repute, and an interested public, largely represented through the effective help rendered by the women's organization now known as the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association, have resulted in the development of one of the finest hospitals in New England, with a standard of efficiency equivalent to that in many of the larger and well known hospitals.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
January 13, 1941
To the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council,
and the Trustees of the Attleborough Hospital:
In this, our 28th annual report, we regret that we have to record the fact that we are in tune with these disturbing times when most public service budgets are decidedly out of balance, for we had the largest annual deficiency in 1940 of any year since the new unit was opened in 1926. Disbursements exceeded re- ceipts by $9,276.92, thus increasing the accumulated deficit of the hospital to $25,091.25.
However, it should be borne in mind that we operate on a cash and not an accrual basis, so that several substantial non-recurring items in 1940, which were charged to expense, might very properly be considered as additions to our fixed assets-notably, a new ambulance costing over $3,000.00, and equipment total- ling approximately $1,000.00.
Although we admitted a slightly smaller number of patients in 1940 than in the year preceding, it is worthy of note that the decrease in the number of ac- cidents-particularly automobile-more than accounted for the difference.
Our receipts from patients were a trifle less-$75,530.00, as compared with $75,913.00, which is a favorable showing as we had 100 more ward cases than in 1939. A considerable number of our ward patients, aside from those to whom free service is rendered, find it well-nigh impossible to meet our moderate charges; this is unfortunate from the stand-point of hospital income, but much more so in those ward and also in some private cases where the patient evidences a dis- inclination to make any attempt to pay.
No person who is not fully able and intends to pay promptly, has any right to demand private accommodations and no doctor on the staff is justified in re- questing or approving the entrance of a private or a ward private case without assurance that the hospital bill will be cared for. Sturdy Hospital is open for
173
ANNUAL REPORT
all who need hospitalization, whatever their circumstances, but it must have the support of staff and public in the matter of proper compensation for services rendered.
In this connection, it should be repeated that free and competent service from both our visiting and consulting staffs is available to all ward patients.
Sickness, in most instances, is an unforseen drain on the family budget and recognizing this, this hospital has provided an extended payment plan available to any patient. Along this line, membership in the Blue Cross has proven very helpful. We cared for 63 members of this service last year.
A substantial increase in out-patients is noted-over 200 more than the year before-indeed, if we counted our out-patients, as we are told some hospitals do in determining their daily average, ours would be well over 100 daily.
The most noteworthy event of the past year has been the building of the new nurses' dormitory, now nearing completion. In fact, we now expect this to be turned over to us on the 18th of this month. This much needed and at- tractive addition to our plant has been made possible by the generosity of the late Mrs. Darrah, who left the hospital approximately $40,000.00 in her will and further provided that the proceeds of a trust fund of $20,000.00 should come to the hospital in due course. It is expected that the new building will cost, fully equipped, not to exceed $50,000.00, and it has been named "The Fisher-Darrah Dormitory" in honor of the donor, Mrs. Sarah Fisher Darrah.
We were also the fortunate recipients of funds from the daughters of the late John and Nellie Vallette sufficient to make the long needed and much desired restoration of the doctors' preparation room.
We record with deep sorrow the death of Dr. William Oakes Hewitt on April 27, 1940. Dr. Hewitt was one of the original trustees of the hospital and a mem- ber of the first staff. He was always keenly interested in the work and progress of the hospital, notably faithful to his responsibility on ward service, and especially concerned in the maintenance of standards and equipment which would make Sturdy Hospital of increased usefulness to the community. We have lost a strong, helpful and faithful friend and a skilled and high-minded physician.
Our preferred rating as a Class A hospital is the result of the proficient service of our doctors and nurses, the helpful assistance in money, materials and labor of the members of the Hospital Aid, various church and club organizations, and generous public support through the Community Chest and on Donation Day.
Below we note the amounts spent from the city appropriations in 1940 and our estimate of the amounts necessary for similar purposes in 1941.
Harold E. Sweet, Chairman
Joseph Finberg
Victor R. Glencross
Members Ex-Officio, 1940
William J. Luther
John W. McIntyre, Mayor
Samuel M. Stone
William Marshall, City Treasurer
Edwin F. Thayer
Francis S. Manchester
Municipal Council Representative
Board of Managers, Attleborough Hospital, Inc., Operating Sturdy Memorial Hospital for the City of Attleboro.
Expended Requested
1940
1941
Water.
$1,150.36
$1,200.00
Insurance
84.44
85.00
Hydrant
60.00
60.00
Fuel and Light.
5,581.80
6,020.00
Treasurer's Bond
25.00
20.05
6,901.60
7,390.00
Parking Area
8.40
6,910.00
174
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Miss G. G. Rice, R. N. Superintendent
To the Board of Trustees and Managers, of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital:
Gentlemen:
I herewith present my annual report of the Hospital for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Total number of patients admitted to the hospital. 2442
Male
870
Female. 1572
Out-patients treated at the hospital. 709
X-Ray out-patients. 1074
Physiotherapy out-patients. 16
Basal Metabolism out-patients 29
Total out-patients. 1828
Total number of Private Cases 1461
Total number of Ward Cases. 981
Total number of children 12 years of age or under 353
Medical patients 288
Adults
227
Children 61
Surgical patients. 775
Adults 680
Children 95
E. E. N. & T. patients. 320
Adults. 123
Children 197
Obstetrical patients. 1059
Mothers
542
Babies 517
Total number of births. 529
Total live births. 517
Total still births . 12
Total number of deaths for the year 120
Medical.
57
Surgical. 48
E. E. N. & T.
2
Obstetrical.
1
Newborn
12
Autopsies
14
175
ANNUAL REPORT
Maximum number of patients . 93
Minimum number of patients. 48
Daily average for the year. 69.56
Total number of accidents. 150
Automobile accidents. 57
Industrial accidents 44
Other accidents .
49
REPORT OF THE OPERATING-ROOM
Major operations. 436
Minor operations. 871
Transfusions. 71
Cystoscopies
21
Proctoscopies
3
Bronchoscopies.
1
Total. 1403
Report of the Physiotherapy Department
32 Patients admitted to the department (16 Out-patients; 16 House-patients.)
370 visits to the department:
Diseased conditions treated:
Anemia
2
Arthritis
4
Bursitis.
7
Contusions
2
Fractures
11
Granulating wounds.
2
Myositis
2
Sacro-iliac strain
Total 32
Treatments given:
Massage
187
Diathermy
127
Sinusoidal. 15
Infra Red . 301
17
Total 650
Report of the X-Ray Department
Fluroscopic examinations 97
X-Ray examinations 1578
Total number
1675
(1074 Out-patients; 601 House-patients)
(An increase of 240 over last year.)
Report of Basal Metabolism
Basal Metabolism readings.
. 32
(29 Out-patients; 3 House-patients)
2
Ultra-Violet, A. C.
176
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Laboratory
Blood Work:
W. B. C. 2243
R. B. C. 1000
Hemoglobin 834
Differentials 504
Coagulations 260
279
Typings Miscellaneous Tests .
30
Blood Chemistry :
Blood Sugar 256
N. P. N. 208
Creatinine. 10
Sulfa .- Levels. 49
Icterus Index 8
Calcium
1
Urines 4926
Renal Function
26
Diastase Test
5
Stool examination .
37
Smears. .
234
Cultures.
247
Blood
40
Sputum examination
64
Pneumococcus Typing .
5
Spinal Fluid
31
Von Pirquet . 4
Surgical Tissues. 389
Miscellaneous Tests 3
3
Sent to State Laboratory
Hintons (blood) 170
Hintons (spinal fluid) 5
Widals. . 22
Typhoid Cultures 39
Undulant Fever
6
REPORT OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL
Student Nurses in the School December 31, 1940. 57
Students admitted during the year 21
(One of this number gave up the course being unable to do the theoretical work.)
In October ten students graduated. The graduating exercises were held at the Masonic Temple with a large number of friends and relatives attending. Following this ceremony a reception was given to the Nurses and their friends by the Hospital Management. The usual Banquet was given to the Graduating Class by the Nurses' Alumnae.
We are looking forward with great pleasure to the opening of the new addi- tion to the Nurses' Home; this will give us twenty additional sleeping-rooms making a total of:
Single rooms 46
Two-bed rooms . 12
Three-bed rooms. 3
Bed capacity 77
Guinea-Pig Inoculations
177
ANNUAL REPORT
The recreation room in the new building will be greatly appreciated by the nurses as it has been a long felt need.
We have had very little illlness among the nurses:
5 nurses off duty for a few days with minor illnesses
1 septic finger
1 pneumonia
All made good recoveries. Sixty-five members of the Nursing Staff have been X-Rayed in December, making two "check-ups" since February-report of the radiologist on these you will find enclosed.
The death of Dr. William O. Hewitt in April has been a great loss both to our Hospital and Training-School. He was one of the most capable and interested Lecturers to the School; always willing and anxious to do what we asked him. The Ward Service of the Hospital has also lost a valuable friend by his death. From 1913 to 1940 he gave freely of his time and knowledge to the care of Ward Patients. There was nothing too difficult or too much for him to do for them, and any hour of the day or night we could call on him. We never have had, or never will have again, anyone as devoted to that Service as he was.
We are very grateful to the doctors who have given the Lectures to the Nurses this year; there seems to be an increasing demand on their time for this work but they have always done it most willingly.
A "House-Mother" was employed for the Nurses' Home. She supervises the Homes entirely-checks on condition of the nurses' rooms, linens, and sees that all the rules for the Homes are adhered to, and helps to organize entertain- ments for the nurses. This addition to our Staff has made quite a difference in the general efficiency of conditions in the Homes and the general behavior of the nurses have greatly improved under this close supervision.
Respectfully submitted,
G. G. Rice, R. N., Superintendent.
Patients admitted from:
Attleboro.
1043
South Attleboro
102
Hebronville.
52
Dodgeville.
29
1226
North Attleboro
370
Attleboro Falls
55
425
Plainville.
42
Wrentham
36
Norton.
111
Chartley
38
Mansfield .
187
Foxboro
51
Seekonk.
88
Rehoboth
75
Franklin
10
638
Other Cities and Towns
153
153
Totals
2442
178
ANNUAL REPORT
Cases of :
Attleboro Welfare.
.63
North Attleboro Welfare
12
Seekonk Welfare.
17
Rehoboth Welfare.
15
Mansfield Welfare.
24
Norton Welfare.
12
Plainville Welfare
3
Foxboro Welfare
2
Wrentham Welfare
4
State Cases.
9
Old Age Pension
25
Mothers' Aid .
5
Blue Cross Hospital Service
63
Nativities of Patients
United States
Foreign
Massachusetts.
1744
Canada. 123
Rhode Island .
261
England.
30
Connecticut
34
Portugal
26
Maine .
29
Italy
25
New York
26
Sweden.
15
Vermont .
20
Scotland
12
New Hampshire.
18
Ireland.
9
New Jersey
7
Poland.
7
California
4
Germany
6
Florida.
4
Armenia.
2
Pennsylvania
4
Finland
2
Illinois.
3
Denmark
2
North Carolina
3 Norway.
2
Kansas
2
Switzerland.
2
Washington, D. C.
2
Greece
1
Michigan.
1
Brazil
1
Ohio.
1
Russia
1
Mississippi
1
Hungary
1
Missouri .
1
Belgium
1
Iowa .
1
Yugo-Slavia
1
Oklahoma.
1
B. W. I
1
Kentucky
1
Minnesota.
1
270
Arkansas.
1
Washington
1
Wisconsin .
1
2172
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HOSPITAL LIBRARIAN, 1940
The work at the Hospital library did not vary much from other years. A large number of books and magazines were given to the Library as gifts and those that were suitable were taken to the Central Library and catalogued and classified, so at the present time there is a complete list of all permanent hospital books, and also a record of all gifts. In former years the permanent collection was usually supplemented by books from the Central Library about every six weeks, but this year it was thought advisable to only change the books every three months. The circulation ratio this year was about 60% to nurses and others employed at the Hospital and 40% to patients. The total circulation was 3694 being al- most identical with last year's which was 3737.
179
ANNUAL REPORT
It gives me great pleasure to report that only one book was lost at the Hospital during the year. This is an unusual record for as far back as records have been kept at least five and sometimes as many as twenty books have been lost during the year at the Hospital. I believe this extremely fine record to be due to splendid cooperation of nurses and supervisors.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen MacKell, Hospital Librarian.
To the Board of Managers, and Members of the Staff of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital,
Gentlemen:
The following is a brief summary of the activities of the Surgical Service for the year 1940:
Total number of surgical patients admitted. 775 Adults. 680 Children 95
Major operations performed 436
Minor operations performed 871
21 Transfusions 71 Cystoscopies. Total number of Surgical Deaths. 47
The total number of surgical patients treated during the year is approximately the same as in the preceding year of 1939.
Among the 436 cases upon whom major operations were performed during 1940 there were 25 deaths, giving an operative mortality of 5.7%. In view of the rather large percentage of advanced and seriously ill cases which must be cared for in the course of a year this represents a very satisfactory figure, which I believe will compare favorably with the statistics of most hospitals of a similar type. During the year there were 1307 operations, both major and minor, performed, with a total of 26 post-operative deaths, giving an operative mortality of just under 2%.
Of the remaining 21 fatal cases received on the surgical service, accidental injuries were responsible for 10, and no operations was performed on the other 11 fatal cases, for the reason that in practically every instance they had waited too long before seeking relief from their symptoms.
The Surgical Staff has suffered a serious loss during the past year in the death of one of our most valuable and highly esteemed members, Dr. W. O. Hewitt, who had served as a member of the Visiting Staff continuously since the hospital first opened its doors to the public, and had been a member of the surgical group since the different services were organized in 1925. No one could have had or shown & more loyal or unselfish interest in the welfare of the hospital than did Dr. Hewitt, and those of us who were fortunate enough to be closely associated with him through these years will cherish the memory of an honorable and up- right physician and friend for many years to come.
The professional work has gone along very smoothly during the past year, thanks to the never failing interest of my associates on the Surgical Staff, and in closing we should like to express our thanks to the members of the other Staff groups, the Board of Managers, the Superintendent and the nurses for their kind help and cooperation which has been manifest at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
John A. Reese, M. D., Chief of Surgical Staff.
180
ANNUAL REPORT
To the Board of Managers,
and the Members of the Staff of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital,
Gentlemen:
The report and summary of the work of the members of the Staff on the Medical Service for the year 1940 is herein submitted to you.
There was an increase of 53 patients admitted to the service as compared with 1939 and of this number 25 were children. It is encouraging to note that the patients on the medical service have increased each year thus giving added training to the student nurses.
Hospital days for the year increased 119 with a total of 2402. The average stay of the patient in the hospit I was one day less than during 1939.
It is interesting to note, in reviewing the data of the service for the year, the increased number of cases of cerebral hemorrhage and the high mortality in this group. There were 14 deaths from this cause alone and seven died within 24 hours after entering the hospital. Heart disease of different types shows an increased number of admissions and a high mortality rate in the group. There were 13 deaths and 7 of the patients died within 24 hours after admission.
The new chemotheraphy for lobar pneumonia proved its worth in this disease, and there has never been so low a mortality rate (6.6%) in the hospital as during the past year.
The following is a brief summary of the work of the medical service during the year 1940:
Total number of patients admitted to the service. 288
227
Children . 61
Total number of deaths. 57
Nine cases were transferred from the Medical to the Surgical Service. Three patients admitted in 1940 are still in the hospital.
The total number of deaths was 57 due to the following diseases:
Cerebral hemorrhage.
7
chronic nephritis
1
arteriosclerosis. 2
hypostatic pneumonia 1
1
malignant hypertension
1
general arteriosclerosis
1
Meningitis, influenzal.
1
Meningioma, diverticulum small intestine.
Acute otitis media hydrocephalus, spastic paraplegia sphenoid sinusitis, sinus thrombosis, broncho pneumonia.
1
cirrhosis of liver, secondary anaemia.
1
Broncho-pneumonia. 2
1
toxic myocarditis.
1
Ideopathic asthma, secondary anaemia.
1
Chronic bronchitis, marasmus.
1
General arteriosclerosis
cerebral thrombosis, terminal pneumonia.
1
broncho-pneumonia.
1
Acute cardiac decompensation, coronary sclerosis diabetes mellitus . 1
Arteriosclerotic heart disease. 2
coronary thrombosis 1
1
Lobar pneumonia
1
rheumatic heart disease
Hydrocephalus, spina bifida, terminal meningitis.
1
lobar pneumonia
Adults.
181
ANNUAL REPORT
Cardio-renal disease, diabetes mellitus, lobar pneumonia pneumonia .
1
terminal broncho-pneumonia. 1
Chronic mitral disease 1
Chronic myocarditis 1
hypertension.
1
chronic nephritis
1
Coronary occlusion, arteriosclerosis. 1
Coronary thrombosis arteriosclerosis, chronic myocarditis. 1
Rheumatic heart disease, strep. hemalitic septicemia. 1
Acute nephritis .
1
Chronic nephritis
1
adhesive peritonitis
1
chronic myocarditis, uremia.
1
interstitial.
1
Chronic pyelonephritis.
1
Duodenal ulcer, massive hemorrhage, influenza.
Volvulus, due to congenital absence of mesentary, acute nephritis, terminal aspiration pneumonia.
1
Appendicitis, acute gangreous with pelvic peritonitis, lobar pneumonia, coron- ary sclerosis .
1 1
Typhoid fever
Acute yellow atrophy of liver. cyst of left adrenal gland, oedema of brain. 1 Diabetes mellitus
diabetic coma. 1
broncho-pneumonia. 1
Infarct of left foot, thrombosis left lower leg, arteriosclerosis, chronic myo- carditis
1
Carbon monoxide poisoning, illuminating gas 1
Still birth 1
The members of the service wish to express their appreciation for the co- operation of the physicians on the other services and for the wishes given in consultation, advice which was found valuable and helpful in carrying on the work of the service. They also wish to express their appreciation to the hospital consultants for their valuable advice and willingness to come and see doubtful cases whenever called upon. It is this cooperation and aid which has made possible these results in the care and treatment of the sick.
The supervision of the Superintendent of the hospital and the nursing care given the patients have helped to lighten the work of the physicians on the service and they have played an important part in the results of the year. We extend to them our appreciation for their work and hearty co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
Herbert Lowell Rich, M. D., Chief of the Medical Service.
To the Board of Managers and Members of the Staff of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital:
Gentlemen:
The following is a summary of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat service for the year 1940:
A total of 326 patients were treated by this service as follows: Tonsillectomies and Adenoidectomies 283
Mastoidectomies . 12
Submucous resections, Nasal Septum . 3 Bronchoscopy 1 Suturing Eye ball 1
1
182
ANNUAL REPORT
Uvulotomy 1
Minor operations. 25
There were two deaths as follows: Pneumococcus mastoiditis with meningitis. Chronic tonsillitis; primary shock under ether.
The year was characterized by the number of complications accompanying and following tonsillectomies. It brings home very forcibly the great respect that should be given these so-called simple procedures, especially in adults.
The cooperation of the members of this service is greatly appreciated. May we also extend our thanks to the nursing and administration staffs for their effective help at all times.
Respectfully submitted, A. C. Conro, M. D., Chief of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Staff
To the Board of Managers and Staff
of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital,
Gentlemen:
The following report of the Department of Obstetrics is respectfully sub- mitted:
The total number of patients for the year was 47 less than in 1939; mothers 21 and babies 26 fewer.
It is a most regretable commentary that with forty-seven fewer patients than in 1939, our mortality was numerically the same, thereby increasing our per- centage rate.
Last year, 1939, and again in 1940, we had one infant death from Diaphrag- matic Hernia. While perhaps not an unusual condition it is not a very common finding.
Total number of patients 1059
Mothers 542
Babies 517
Total number of births 529
Live births .517
Stillbirths 12
Total number of Obstetrical Deaths 13
Mothers
1
Babies. 12
Causes of death:
Maternal: Adherent Placenta. Post-partum hemorrhage 1
Newborn: Premature birth. 4
Premature birth with cerebral hemorrhage. 1 Toxemia of Pregnancy with cerebral hemorrhage 1 Toxemia of Pregnancy . 1 Congenital heart disease 1
Asphyxia Pallada. 1
Pneumonia . 1 Imperforate anus. 1
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia 1
183
ANNUAL REPORT
Deliveries:
Normal. 449
Caesarean. 3
Version (Podallic)
3
Mid-forceps 14
Low forceps
60
529
There were, Primipara
216
Multipara 313
The death of Dr. W. O. Hewitt was an irreparable loss to our Department. His ready response to all calls, his radiant good cheer and sound council are sadly missed throughout the Department.
The splendid cooperation of the Superintendent and members of the Staff and the efficiency of the nursing personnel are most heartily appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Joshua W. Clarke, M. D., Chief of Department of Obstetrics.
To the Board of Managers and Members of the Staff of Sturdy Memorial Hospital:
Comparison with the figures for 1939 shows, for 1940 a very considerable increase in routine blood work and routine urines. The number of autopsies shows an increase from eight to fourteen.
A brief summary of the work follows:
Routine blood examinations 4841
Routine urine examinations. 4926
Special urine examinations 31
Blood chemistry examinations 532
Bacteriological examinations. 524
Pneumococcus typings 5
Blood typings 279
Blood cultures .
40
Stool examinations.
37
Spinal fluid examinations.
31
Samples of blood collected and sent to State Laboratory for examination. 170
Other specimens sent to State Laboratory for examination 72
Surgical specimens. 389
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