Evening star., 1941-12-02
Children S Hospital
Seeks Expansion Fund
10 Meet Conditions
Growing Louds and
Progress Pointed Out
At Annual Session
picture on Page BID

Carving an increased load because
Of war conditions" that have con-
gested the city, Children's Hospital
Is hoping to expand its facilities If
possible. through funds requested
under the Lsnham Act.
This was disclosed Yesterday at
the annual meeting of hospital men,
bers, where progress during the past
year in MANY phases of the institu-
tons activities. in caring for the
sick, and in teaching nurses and
young doctors was reviewed.
Declaring there was a striking
similarity" between conditions here
in the early DAYS of World War, "a
years ago and today. Charles D.
Drayton. president of the hospital.
said the hospital has felt the same
increase in patient load that has
affected the city in general; 5000
more hospital days 10000 more
laboratory f1rdincs this year than
last" The same increase showed in
every department, he reported.
Labor turnover had been ''un-
rrecedented." he said. because of
Jobs offered elsewhere at higher
salaries. End the cost Of supplies
and equipment had mounted. with
scn1e commodities often mot avail
able at any price
Hope to Increase Dispensary.
The hospital authorities have made
application for funds under the Lam
ham Community Facilities Act,
desiCned 20 hel0 meet defense emer-
gencies. M. Dravton explained. in
the hope CT building an addition to
the crowded dispensary. This, he
said. was the hospitals outstanding
need At the moment. as well as addi-
tional spare for residents quarters.
releasing the space now used by the
doctors for additional patient accom-
modations.' 30 reply has been
received as to the request for funds.
he said. although Government au-
thorities have surveyed the hospital
in this connection and We have sent
very detailed information upon re-
quest 10 the regional Office in Rich
mond.' Mr. Dfavton also reviewed
increase in many departments of the
hospital. and outlined further needs.
Dr.. Joseph S Wall, chairman Of
the medical staff. presented a COM
prehensive report on the teaching
facilities of the hospital, Illustrated
by a number of slides. While treat
nent of sick children was the first
purpose Of the hospital, he pointed
out that a corollary aim was educa-
tlonal. to teach nurses, medical stu
dents and Young doctors. BY virtue
of its functions as teaching hos
pital, DR. Wall said, the institution
had obtained recognition as a class
l hospital. The hospital was ac-
credited, he said. by the American
Medical Association. the American
College of Surgeons and the Amer
ican Association of Medical Colleges.
Miss Matte Gibson, superintend-
ent Of the hospital, reported that
while the number of visits to the
dispensary showed an increase OF /.
only 539 this year, the number of |
emergencies treated was 3.619 great /
er than it was last year. There was .
great increase she said, in the
number of seriously i'll children
brought in to the hospital out of
clinic hours-"very often between /.
midnight and early morning."
Cites Two Load Factors.
While no real epidemic" affected
the city. she said. two factors which
laid heavy loads on the hospital
were the number of newborn in
fants sent in with intestinal in
fections" and the infantile paralysis
situation" She called attention to
overcrowdlng in laboratory quarters.
in clinics and the lack of proper
space TO meet needs of the out
patient activities, as we'll as special
departments.
Reciting progress in equipment of
the hospital and recognizing con-
tributions from many sources. the
superintendent especially mentioned
the Junior League, the WASH
ington Post for funds contributed to
the blood bank fund. and these
among others: American Legion and