South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-21
CROSS INFECTIONS IN HOSPITALS AND
THE CRIME OF DEMOCRACY

The little outbreak Of scarlet fever at Epworth hos
ptal last January, quickly reduced to minimum, and
finally eradcated, appears to have been nothing so
unusual 10 excitement had it not been per-
haps, that South Bend 5 unused Cases of
crossinfecton, the contracting Of other diseases
by the patients in hospitals. while not the rule
thing TO be desired. TO have become matter
Of statistics in other cities especially the larger
and If South Is ever to approach that metropo-
standard which it aspires learn not to
be overly excited every time take forward step.
DR. Bosenbury, city health officer and the other phye
clans in authority of TO be congratulated
on their good work they the city the
credit Of having made start in metropolitan direc-
including their censorship. gladly submitted
Seven per cent OF all patients developed other
than the original the county hospital in
1915" said Or. Roger Vaughan before the Cook
county. III, board of county commissioners Or.
Vaughan had told a Chicago newspaper that there had
100 crossnfecton in the county hospital
during the past year against only three four,
seven per against per cent, in the Durand
Memorial hospital.
The board trying clear itself responsibility
the death boy admitted TO the county hospital
scarlet fever patient who is said to have con-
trccted measles and dphtheria while there
Accidents will happen. with o care. And over
crowdiug hospitals sometimes conditions
GREETED by those in charge. who trying hard to
minimize danger
But observe the boards attitude:
DO you think you fair your superior.
den Smith. when you gave out interview which
might be construed as a reflection him?" the
the hearing
4 told the truth which was no reflection on the war
den but statement the buildings defects"
ed DR. Vaughan
Are you doing medical work for the county or are
you filing newspaper positions" asked one Of the
commissioners
II very important IT seems that warden be
reflected upon" that the commission save
he il he trufh abO old nd o1t-
grown building with view securing better condi-
lions for the sick of little moment
the situation exists n New York where
charitable Institutions being investigated Instead
joining the commission to get all possible
publicity the establishments there
been Jealousy bitterness fear of losing sadder
commentary upon democracy could hardly be made
than these two instances
may be proper for an emperor imposing govern
ment from above TO hold chamber sessions with
his advisers He perhaps, properly these
the peoples business. But the and only safe
guard democracy publicity. the common man
TO join with his neghbors govern the community
composed of them all. he know what public
servants doing how his institutions managed.
and whether his being applied better
living conditions Of himself and his fellows
People don't cross infection in hospitals neg
lect OF orphans They want honest competent admin
istration public affairs II any county
msoners in the country needs hospital space or
better equipment more money wise purposes
will put the squarely before the public the
public be trusted right thing. Fear Of
publicity spells incompetence or graft
Happily there cooperation between the Epworth
authorities the press during little
affair at that institution worked we'll with
undue publicity. "a very desirable consumma-
ton IL perhaps might well hare been an example for
branches local government TO follow but let
IL pass
petty officials everywhere know what is good for
them, they will work the open with their citizen en-
ployers. They viii make the local press partner in
stead OF enemy The ostrich may hide his head
the hunter usually gets him.