Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-26
HOSPITAL EXPERT
CALLS BLOCKLEY
DISGRACE TO CITY
Head of Johns Hopkins
Opens Convention With
Scathing Attack
VICE OF POLITICAL RULE

Biockley II IN reality a disgrace 20 the
community I'm which Il stands. according TO
Or. Wiiford Smith, superintendent Of Johns
Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. and presi-
dent Of the American Hospital Association,
who In his annual address this morning de-
nounced politics In municipal hospitals. One
thousand delegates assembled for the OPEN
ing session OF the eighteenth annual four
day convention OF the organization, on the
roof garden OF the Bellevue stratford
The association should stand hrmly for
higher standards In the administration OF
municipal hospitals" he said In speaking
OF the part politics plays in ruling OF nu-
ncpal hospitals. He declared himself un-
arersbly opposed 70 political domination
OF those institutions. In this country the
endowed institutions have been leaders I'm
hospital achievements. while with n few
exceptions, the municipal hospitals have
suffered from the political spoils system,
with the result that the municipal hospitals
In some Of the larger cities, which should
have been examplekyof excellence, have in
reality been a disgrace to their respective
communities.
BLoCKLEy AN EVIL EXAMPLE
I'm this connection" he added. Il need
only mention Chicago. New York. cincin-
natl. Baltimore and Philadelphia"
When asked II he referred TO Blockiey.
Doctor Smith said Yes. I mean BloclSley
when say this"
Doctor smith admitted there have been
. few conspicuous examples Of excellence.
adding: There Is no reason whatever
why our municipal institutions. once freed
from the pernicious influence of politics.
could not be models of excellence. contribute
ing largely to medical education and to
the increase In medical knowledge, while
at the same time exercising a much more
potent influence In maintaining the health
OF the community. II there is any nstitu-
ton which should be entirely divorced from
sxrlla nfr r.nltf tna I'm ahOuld ha
those hospitals which are responsible fdr
the care OF the sick poor"
FAvoRs UNION OF FORCES
President Smith advocated a change in
the policy of the American Hospital Asso-
citation either to divide into an eastern,
western. southern and Canadian association,
with meetings every two years and joint
meeting Of the four branches on the alter
nate years. or else the amalgamation of
number OF organizations all working with
the same end in view-lmprovement Of
public health.
In connection with the latter recon-
nendation he spoke of an amalgamation or
Joining OF the American Hospital Associa-
tion. the Public Health Bureau, the Ma
tion Association for Study and Prevention
of Tuberculosis, the Canadian Public
Health Associate on. the American School
Hygiene Association, the Association for the
Prevention of Infant Mortality the National
National League for Nursing Education.
He suggested the name OF the American
Public Health Association. and said such
organization. could preserve its identity in
its own community, but amalgamate for
Doctor Smith emphasized the need of
council or house OF delegates in the present
American Hospital Association to transact
business, on account OF the time wasted at
the annual convention, because Of the lack
n n tad 10
abolishment OF a number of committees TO
reduce the number OF reports to which dele
gates must listen at each convention.
WOULD RAISE STANDARD
President Smith decried the establish
ment OF too many hospitals upon i'll ad-
vised and uncomfortable enthusiasm OF
groups OF individuals" and advocated the
creation of machinery which would prevent
the creation Of such hospitals ''of such en-
thusasm. without visible means Of sup.
port"
He decried the low salaries paid to hos
ptal employees and pointed out that the low
wages frequently were accompanied by low
standards OF decorum and morals, remind
ing the delegates that II had been found
that n large percentage OF the employees
of a certain New York municipal hospital
were from the workhouse at Blackwell's
Island.
He went on record in no uncertain terms
eenouncing low moral standards when he
said mo man or woman of low moral
standards has any business in a hospital
particularly In a position OF trust and re-
sponsibility. II only requires a few iso-
lated instances TO cast discredit on the
whole hospital system"
Among other things advocated by the
president In his annual address were fthe
paying of more attention to autopsy find
fngs and abolishment OF red tape. which
now prevents such study; the abolishment
of Incompetent anesthetists from hospitals;
better standards OF hospital organization
between the superlntendents and trustees
the location OF hospitals in proper localities.
and mot punching them the establishment
OF country branches for convalescents, in
stead OF maintaining expensive buildings in
dcwntown districts: the establishment OF
well-equipped organization units for edues-
tion OF the handicapped and unit leaving
the hospitals; the supplying OF rooms and
pay clinics for those who can afford them
and are too proud to attend free clinics and
not rich enough to stand the expense OF
''many specialists; and the appointment
Of q committee 70 take up the study Of
health insurance.
FIRE DRSTR0YS CR0rRpV.