The Wrangell sentinel., 1937-01-29
Hospital Board Gives Resume of Work Done

report appears In luls issue Dul figures do not tell the entire story and so a brief resume of work done will no doubt be of interest.
 While the business of the local hospital is small compared to that of hospitals in larger places than Wrangell, it is interesting to note from the report sent to the office of Bishop Rowe by Miss Ann Palm CT. superintendent. that 260 pa tients received care here during the past year, I59 in-patients and 1o1 dispensary cases. In a similar re- port for 1885, the figures showed 236 patients. 14O in-patients and 96 dispensary cases. There were 16 major and 40 minor operations per formed in 1886 as against six major and 51 minor in 1885. Receipts from patients were less last year owing 10. the fact that some of the 1885 cases. had longer disqualification.
 X-Ray Services
 The amount of S221 realized from X-ray services as shown in the fi- nancial report published this week does not include the cases where. the charge was made in the regular hospital bill. It covers the receipts for patients who had such services only and notes but a part, there fore of the value of such service to the community. The X-Tay appara- tus used at present was purchased new in 1885 and the last payment on it was made in June, 1886.
 As stated above. receipts from patients ran smaller the past year than in 1885 Gifts from various sources, too, amounted to less as the board, mindful of the financial burden Bishop Rowe was facing in Alaska told him that help from him for 1886 would not be required. However, excluding the $1,074.75| and other help given by the bishop in 1885, in the way of replace ments and repairs, gifts from others the past year exceeded those of 1885 by $500. The board is duly appreciatiye of this help.
 Important Improvement
 One Of the most important inn provements of 1886 was the install lation of metal weather stripping inl all windows and doors last May att a cost of $682. In addition to giv- ing permanent relief from the nerye-l torturing rattle of the windows, the N eather stripping has lowered fuel bills. The stripping is being paid TOT in monthly payments, and $482. Of the $747.92 charged to Repairs 4ryB fY,, provement with S200 still owing.
 The amount realized by the nurses dance last spring was used for replacements in furnishings for the nurses recreation room, and other cash gifts have bought dishes and supplies and cared for necessary l repairs of a minor nature.
 Foundation Fund
 Hoping in time to accumulate a l workable fund for the hospital through special gifts and endow- ments, the Bishop Rowe Founda l tion Fund was opened in September, 1 1883, with a deposit of $100. Al check for $1O., given by an inter ested friend of the late J. G. Grant and $50 sent by Dr. John B. Corser in 1884 were deposited later and Tn October, 1886, the board added $500. l With the accrued interest, the fund now amounts to $676.64 and any help in building it Up will be a step in the right direction.
 The hospital board took out Ar ticles of Incorporation last fall. A Constitution and By Laws have been adopted and at the annual meeting held this month Chas. Benjamin was reelected chairman; L. M. Campbell was elected vice chairman, and Mrs. NJ. O. Johnson reelected secretary treasurer. A board of Directors for the present year will consist of Chas. Benjamin, F. G. Hanford and M. o. Johnson.
 Unpaid Bn1s
 The amount due for hospital serv- ices including X-ray and surgery room charges for the year is $1,705 as stated in the financial report. This amount represents A patients, Il of whom have paid in part. In 1885 the unpaid amount was $1995, covering AS patients, seven of whom had made part payment, showing reduction for last year of $290. It is earnestly hoped that the present year will show an even greater re- duction. The value of the hospital to the community has been estab- lished. The board hopes to have 1t continue to pay it's way. It hopes to make improvements from time to time for greater efficiency. Appre- citation of the hospital and what 1t means to the sick can be shown by a prompt payment of bills for serv- ices rendered. Illness is often sud- den and the patient unable to meet his obligations in full, and every cnnrtnsn in chnruu an arra n ncn-l