Evening star., 1943-11-04

byD.C.
Grand Jury
Inquiry Will Be
| Delayed After
| Todoy's Session

at Gallinger Hospital to determine
whether any criminal statutes were
being violated
The latest inquiry began after a
surprise visit was made to the insti-
tuition yesterday by Commissioner
Guy Mason, one of the five officials
whose resignation was asked by a
Senate District Subcommittee after
series Of hearings on Capitol Hill.
Mr.. Mason said he believed members
Of the staff ARE doing a good job
out there" although he found the
hospital understaffed and kitchen
and laundry facilities outmoded.
The grand jury investigation Is
the outgrowth of an order by United
States Attorney Edward M. Curran
calling for a special study made Of
conditions at the institution. Ac-
cording to John j. Finely, assistant
United States attorney. who is pre-
sentlng the case, the investigation
will center around charges made at
the Senate subcommittee hearings
that funds were mishandled and pa
tients In the psychiatric ward were
beaten in some instances.
30 to 50 Witnesses.
The grand jury today was to hear
general outline Of a probe con-
Quoted by 1t. Joseph w. Shimon,
chief investigator of the United
States attorneys Office. After to-
days session, the grand Jury was to
postpone further consideration Of
the case until next Wednesday.
Mr.. Fihelly said between 30 and so
witnesses probably will be called.
Mr.. Mason inspected the kitchen,
part of the tuberculosis wards, surgi-
cal rooms and the new rapid treat
ment venereal disease center. DR..
Edgar A. Bocock, hospital superin-
tendent, was not at the hospital at
the time Of the visit.
After the trip Mr. Mason made
this statement:
Although it IS below our ideal
and appropriation strength, and
despite the antiquity and smallness
OF the kitchen and laundry, they are
doing good job out there. Thev
are shorter of help now. particularly
with nurses, than at the time of the
investigation (by a Senate subcom-
mittee last month";"
Problems Pointed Out.
The kitchen, first point visited bv
Mr.. Mason, was being cleaned at the
time he arrived. 1t was pointed out
by the kitchen supervisor that the
kitchen had been designed to feed
800 patients, but was called upon
now to feed 1900. and the cement
floors, with cracks, are difficult to
clean
1t was explained that the iron
work tables in the kitchen are oiled
at night to prevent rusting, and are
then cleaned in the daytime. The
presence OF oil apparently gave rise,
Mr.. Mason was told, to the charge
Of greasy conditions.
Mr. Mason said he was "hopeful-
that the city would obtain Lanham
Act funds from the Federal Works
Adminlstr tration for expansion of
kitchen and laundry facilities. Tho
kitchen supervisor pointed out DUR
ing the inspection trip that refriger-
alton facilities were too small and
that it was difficult to clean the
floors when the movable food wagons
were in the kitchen, after being
brought back from the various
wards. Mr. Mason expressed the
hope that the new floors would be
tile and easier to clean.
Visits TubercuIars.
Mr.. Mason then was led to the
tuberculosis wards, where he spoke
word of greeting and encourage
ment to several of the nurses who
are patients there.
Its not only the soldier that
runs hazard commented Mr.. Ma
son. when he was informed that
most of the nurses had contracted
the disease in the line of duty.
After inspecting the operating
rooms. Mr.. Mason went to see the
new ear, nose and throat ward,
which opened Yesterday. Before
ut had been used for obstetrical
cases which have been moved to
a new section.
/ Mr.. Mason was told that the sec
ond OF the two buildings in the
venereal disease center probably
would be ready for use in a month,
giving the city a 1o0-bed treatment
center. Only 81 out of a capacity of
40 patients were in the recently
renovated building.
Mitchell Leads Tour.
The tour was led by Arthur
Mitchell, chief clerk, and DR.. Law
renee Thomas. Mr.. Mitchell said It
| was possible to get orderlies and
similar employees but that it was diff
f1cult to obtain nurses. and said IT.
would be hard to staff the second
building in the venereal disease sec
ton. Turnover among employees is
also high. Mr.. Mitchell said.
Meanwhile, the Washington Gen.
trail Labor Union sent to Commits
Sioner John Russell Young a res
olution saying that "Gallinger Mu-
! nlcipal Hospital has been regarded
as one Of the best conducted insti-
tutions Of Its kind in the District.
1T is we'll known that Congress
has been asked for larger appro-
priations for this institution for
more modern equipment and build
ings and it is also well known that
because of manpowerS shortage 1t is
difficult to secure sufficient help in
any enterprise
The resolution then added that
the central labor union had con-
f1dence in the integrity and sin
cerity of officials of the District of
Columbia in charge of this institu-
ton and hopes that any delin-
quences revealed by the investiga-
ton of the Senate Committee will
be corrected" 1t urged Congress ito
appropriate funds sufficient to pro-
vide this municipal hospital with
every facility for the relief of patti
ents who are taken there for treat
ment."
Enlle (kur>k Tko~S..