Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-11-06
ADVOCATING HOSPITAL REFORMS.
People Continue to Discuss the Tucker
Emergency Hospital Case.

People Continue to Discuss the Tucker
Emergency Hospital Case.
The several explanations that have been
made as to the treatment at the Emergency
Hospital of ]. Harry Tucker, a bricklayer,
who was injured by falling with a breaking
piece of scaffolding. have fallen short of
satisfying those who knew and were inter-
ested in the unfortunate young man. Resi-
dents in the neighborhood where the Tucker
family has its home, continue to discuss the
case with a vigor that is rather remarkable
when 1t IL remembered that the circum-
stances on which the complaint Of the
father Of the deceased are more than two
months old. Public opinion in that vicinity
is unanimously With the bereaved ones, and
out Of the controversy there may easily
come several changes in hospital meth
DDS. Mr.. G. H. Tucker father Of the de-
ceased, contends that the rule which denied
him admittance to the hospital and which
prevented him seeing his son until after
death is inhuman. Arbitrary visiting hours
at an emergency hospital are, argue he ano
his friends, entirely out of place. for acct
dents occur at all hours. and the necessity
for visits on the part Of distressed relatives
cannot be adjusted by any schedule.
An Expert at All Hours Needed.
There is also strong expression OF senti-
ment adverse to such an important institu-
ton as the Emergency Hospital being left
In charge Of young men who are neces-
sarily Inexperienced. and who may be in
able, because Of their inexperience, to cor
rectly diagnose complicated cases that are
brought to the hospital for treatment and
to say whether or not an expert surgeon .
services are needed. What is needed, say
the earnest critics. Is a flrst-class man. who
shall be on duty at the hospital all the
time. or who shall respond promptly upon
notification of serious cases and who shall
be remunerated, if his services are not
otherwise obtainable. This proposition win
probably be placed before the hospital au-
thorities in the near future and there will
likely be an endeavor to bring about abro-
cation Of a rule that prevents parents and
near relatives from being with those who
are unfortunate enough to be in q moribund
condition in the Emergency Hospital.
Another contribution to the controversy
Is as follows:
DIR. Stuart's Statement.
In his letter Of Saturday, published in The
Star. Mr. g. H. Tucker does great injustice
to Drs. Hough and Kerr. We know that
hospital positions are not always awarded
to men according to their medical ability
and character. but oftentimes. by personal
preferment or political gerrymandering. DR..
Hough was elected purely on account Of his
medical ability and character. and he proved
himself worthy Of the charge. He was not
removed. but resigned. on account Of i'll
health. contracted while at his post Of duty.
! have no motive in being friendly to DR..
James Kerr. but, having served under him
Tor six months, feel bound to testify to
the efficient way and Jealous manner with
which he fills the position Of surgeon to the
Emergency Hospital. / have never known
him to neglect a case in any way and do
not believe Mr.. fuckers son was neglected
We know how hard it is to part with dearly
loved ones. and it Is quite natural to feel
that something might have been done which
would have prolonged their earthly ex-
istence, but we must consider that the
cure of many injuries is past human aid and
skill. and I do hope that Mr. Tucker win
look upon the sad death of his son in a
more charitable light. JAMES STUART.