The Portland daily press., 1878-01-11
MAXINE GENEBAL HOSPITAL.
ViaitOrs-The Charges DisprOved aud
the Management Commended.

The following is the full text of the report
of the Board of Visitors to the Maine
Genera Hospital, brief abstract of which
has already been published:
AUGUSTA, Dec. 81, 1877.
To the President of the Senate, and Speaker of
the House or Representatives.:
The Board of Visitors, ex-oticio, named in
the act of Incorporation, would report, that in
accordance with vote of the Board of Dlreet-
ors of the Maine General Hospital, THAT the
Board Of Visitors be requested to make full in
vestigation of the financial and business man
agement and condition of the hospital, and
make public report of the result of their ex-
animation at their earliest convenience during
the present month" they attended for the pur-
pose indicated. at the hospital building at Port
land, on the 10th inst, all the members of the
Board being pres sent.
After an address from the chairman of the
Board of directors to the effect that charges
had been circulated detrimental to the reputa-
ton of the hospital, and that the Directors
courted the closest scrutiny into the manage
ment, an invitation was given by the Board of
Visitors for any specific charges that might be
made.
In response to the invitation, without direct
charges being preferred, certain criticisms of
the management of the hospital were submit
ted from physician OF high repute and recog-
nized ability in his profession, long friend of
the hospital, and intimately acquainted with
Us
the following points:
Ist That the cost OF the hospital per week
per patient lin its first year sly A. in 1876 14.-
50, and the last $13 84) was excessive, and
compared unfavorably with other Institutions
of the same kind.
ID. That resident physician was unneces-
sary to the welfare of the institution, the SUBJ
stituLion of steward in his place being more
economical and promising equal efficiency.
Sd. That the present system OF heatin G was
more expensive than the present needs of the
institution seemed to warrant
La response to the first of these criticisms the
resident physician submitted a carefully pre-
pared statement, showing that the daily ex-
penses for food, help and other necessaries
were guarded with much care by himself, and
always subjected to the most rigid scrutiny of a
board of directors composed of the most pru-
dent and successful business men of Portland
He also proved very satisfactorily that the cost
per week per patient was on account OF the
small average number OF patients, while, TAX
ing the expenditures of the last two years as
basis, with the hospital full, this cost would be
less than that of similar institutions in the
country, with but one exception.
I'd. The substitution of a steward in plaes of
resident physician, as suggested, would se-
cure, it appears, saving of but little over $500
per annum. With SO small a saving it is diff
cult to see that any gain could be made by re-
placing the present head, physician of ad-
mitted qualifications, with any person less ac-
NUdlub0Q Will tuC bIoUly auu pldGtiCo VI
medicine. This board readily concurs in the
suggestion made at the hearing, that the knowl-
edge of such substitution by the public won Id
injuriously affect the good name and reputa-
ton of the hospital.
3D. In reference to the heating apparatus
while it is quite possible that if the present
small number of patients had been anticipated
at the time of its adoption, more economical
system might have been sought, yet, it being
already 10 use, any change would seem to in
volve great loss. And it is the coucurring
testimony of DR.. Hill, and all who expressed
an opinion on the subject, that the system Of
heating and ventilation now in use is the best
yet invented, and such as would be imperative
ly required if the hospital was full.
At the close of the hearing, the Board of Wis
itors were conducted through all the depart
ments of the hospital, and carefully inspected
the system Of heating and ventilation, the adj
mirable plan of drainage, and the kitchens, and
wards and rooms of the patients.
AS result of this hearing and examination,
| this Board can only state its approval of both
the general plan aud the management of the
| institution. Ii any errors of judgment can be
| shown, they are few and of little consequence,
| and such as will remedy themselves as the in
stitution grows older. The citizens of Port
| land even those few who have felt compelled to
criticize its management, are warm friends of
| the hospital, feeling pride in it, and deer
| solicitation of its success The most skilled
| and prominent of the business men of the city
control its affairs, and spare no time, effort OF
| expense to secure its prosperity. With good
reason they regard its future as assured, ani
| its embarrassments only such as will call fol
| State assistance for very few years. 1t is
noble charity, in which our citizens may wei
take pride. and to which the State may WORTH
| ly extend its fostering care.
| SELDEN Common, Governor
| THOMAS w. HYDE,
President of Senate
EDW. B. NEALLEY,
Speaker of House of Representatives