The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-01
BOARD RESENTS
JACKSON CHARGES
States He Was Unfair in His
Statements About Hill
man Hospital

The members of the board of reve-
nue. feel that an injustice was done them
by f. M. Jackson in his letter anent the
bond issue, In which they allege he made
unjust and uncalled for criticism of the
management of the Hillman hospital.
They allege he has sought to imply
neglect on their part in the management
of the hospital, that by inuendo he sug-
gests that physicians are charging pat
tents admitted to the hospital for their
services and that patients who are able
to pay for treatment are admitted free.
These charges. they allege, have no
foundation in fact and they invite Mr..
Jackson or any other citizen to make an
investigation of the management of the
hospital at any time they see fit.
The statement made by the board is
as follows:
I'm answer to an article In this morn
ings Age-Herald signed by Mr.. F. M.
Jackson opposing the bond issue, in
which he reflects upon the board of rev.
enue's management of the Hillman hos
pital, we desire to say that the board
Of revenue exercises all reasonable care
to provide only for charity patients in
the Hilman hospital. The care and GUS
tody of the hospital is intrusted to the
most reputable physicians in the city of
Birmingham. These physicians render
their services faithfully and without
charge to the county. By slight in
ouiry Mr. Jackson could have ascertained
from any of the reputable physicians Of
this county whether or not they are
charging and collecting fees from patients
in the Hillman hospital. If any such
fees have been collected, it has been with
out the knowledge or consent of the board
of revenue, and contrary to the policy
of the board. If there have been physi-
clans who have been charging fees for
patients in the Hillman hospital, 1t has
never come to our knowledge, or to that
Of any member of the board of revenue
of this county. IL Mr. Jackson knows
of any such cases. we cheerfully invite
him to report the same to this board and
we promise full, fair and complete In
vestigation of the same and a report OF
the findings of the board in this matter.
ut has been and Is the established rule
of the board that no patients are to be
taken care of In the Hillman hospital
who are able to provide for themselves.
1t may he that there are some cases in
which the county is imposed upon by
themselves to be unable to pay for treat
ment. but this is likely to occur in any
management. and with any individual.
We doubt not but that Mr.. Jackson has
been imposed upon in charity matters
quite as much as anyone. But is that
any reason why he would be absolutely
sure in any instance that the person was
worthy before dispensing his charity?
Mr.. Jackson further says that he no.
tees that a good many cases are hurried
to the Hilman hospital on account of
being shot or cut or hurt in some way,
, that ought not to be taken care of by the
county. Surely, Mr.. Jackson would not
have a hospital like the Hillman hos
pital, shut it's doors upon a person who
was hurried to its walls almost In an
agony of death, and keep the doors shat
against such patient until red-tape pro-
cess of investigation could be held to
ascertain whether or not the patient was
| in reality charity patient. In such
| cases we do not hesitate to say that il
would be against the dictates of human
! ity to refuse admission to patient UNI
der such circumstances. and not in ac-
| cordance with right, reason or justice
/ We wish to say further that such case.
as these are cases of emergency an,