The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-22
FOUL CONDITIONS
STATE HOSPITAL
rcontinued from Page one.l

rat was seen resting himself on one
of the dining room chairs.
'In the infirmary, now called Cot
tage B, every toilet smelled of sewage
From two to three attendants are
assigned to each of these wards for
day duty. These attendants go on
duty at 5 o'clock in the morning and
are relieved at o'clock at night FIRE.
ouentIv conditions on the ward are
such that they are compelled to serve
overtime. Thus they put in an aver
age of something over 15 hours every
day with frequent overtime service
and are allowed one-half day in every
nine days for rest and recreation.
Not Enough Attendants.
The management of the institution
does not have sufficient funds or for
other reasons does not employ enough
attendants. Then, too, the wages are
so small and the work so nerve-rack-
ing as not to attract the most deSlr-
able class of help.
Outside of each building there is
shed in which the garbage and waste
from the kitchen are temporarily
placed until such time as they may be
hauled to the farm. In each OF these
sheds were found dirty barrels of gar
bage, uncovered and unprotected from
both flies and rats. In the barn yard
were numerous piles of manure which
made effective breeding places for
flies and rats.
Laundry .. Ia. Except
1.-The laundry is in fairly good condi-
ton except the toilets which were
dirty, insanitary and bad smelling.
There is no provision made to protect
any of the machinery. There were
unguarded belts and unguarded ma
chimes which were dangerous to the
health and life of even the employees,
to say nothing of patients who are en-
ployed in this department. The same
unprotected condition of belts and ma
chinery was found in the carpenter
shop.
THE main kitchen and dining room
are in a very bad condition. insanitary,
above the kitchen is sleeping room
for men who are engaged in various
occupations about the building.
Break Heavy Dishes.
1.-THE dishes are washed by hand,
consequently heavy dishes are pro-
vided. These are nicked and broken
and unsightly.
THE committee was informed by
the superintendent that the same
amount of money pro-rata is now ap-
propriated for provisions as has been
appropriated for a number of years.
Everyone knows that the prices of
food stuffs have increased, some as
high as several hundred per cent. This
means the superintendent have been
obliged to cut out first one article of
diet, then another until the diet Tor
patients is reduced to a minimum"
Members of the committee offered
number of recommendations concern
ing the betterment and Improvement
of both the Osawatomie state hospital
and other state charities. Among 9TH
err suggestions the committee urges
that senile patients be sent to homes
for aged. A revision of the laws con-
corning the admission, parole and dis
charge of patients is also urged. Re
moval of the system of handling pa
tients from all political influence is de-
manded by the committee as one of
the existing needs.
1.-THE majority of patients in state
institutions are potential parents of
undesirable citizens" says the report.
Therefore in failing to protect the
state of Kansas from succeeding gen
erations of insane, imbecile and other
sponsible for their care and manage
ment should be charged with criminal
negligence"
New Receiving Hospital.
A new receiving hospital for Osa-
watomie is urged in the reports Raj
ing of several fire traps now used in
the care of the patients is also urged.
Recommendation for the employ
ment of a dietician to supervise the
diet and food of the entire institution
is made. A committee to study exist
ing laws and make recommendation
for needed amendments is pointed out
as real need.
W NJ HhWEv hi pAnE