Evening star., 1944-05-17
VINO Acts 10 Avert
Closing Of Ward
Al Glenn Dale
Commissioners Authorize
Purchase of Bus to Help
Meet Personnel SHORTAGE

DIR. Paul F. Dickens, chairman of
procurement and assignment of
physicians in the District for the
War Manpower Commission, will
consult with tuberculosis doctors
Immediately in an effort to forestall
the threatened closing of one of the
wards of Glenn Dale Sanitarium
because of personnel shortage.
At a special meeting yesterday
afternoon the Board of Commission
ers authorized Commissioner Guy
Mason to go ahead with plans for
buying or leasing bus to transport
the needed personnel to and from
Glenn Dale. Doctors will be asked
about a plan for visiting patients
there If additional gasoline can be
secured or transportation provided
To Seek Bus Cost Figures.
Mr.. Mason planned to confer to-
day with Fred A. Sager, chief engi-
neer of the Public Utilities Com
mission, on the cost of leasing or
purchasing a bus for the District
AS soon as the figures are obtained
Mr.. Mason said he would go before
the House and Senate Appropria-
tons Committees to impress on them
the seriousness of the problem.
The possibility that a ward may
have to be closed became known
yesterday when Commissioner Ma
son made public correspondence of
Health Officer George C. Rutland
and DR.. D. L. Finacune, superin-
tendent of Glenn Dale Although
authorized to have ID doctors, the
institution has only six. including
the superintendent and assistant
superintendent.
Considering the use of part time
doctors, DR.. Dickens suggested that
some relief might be afforded if
doctors gave half a days service
once a week at Glenn Dale, and
planned to confer with Mr.. Mason
about the matter later today.
Lists of physicians rejected for
the armed services are being exam
ined for those with experience in
tuberculosis, DR.. Dickens said. ad-
ding that we are getting down to
bed rock on medical personnel, but
We hope to obtain some positions
for Glenn Dale. We will do every
thing in our power to help. and we
do not want to deprive the Dis
trlct OF adequate medical treat
ment."
DR.. Rutland said, however, that
no candidates had been obtained sc
far from Dr. Dickens lists because
doctors were unwilling to leave pri-
vate practice for the low salaries al
the institution. Dr. Dickens sug-
eeSted that since some patients al
the sanltorium are healing and dc
not need constant care. doctors
without experience in tuberculosis
might prove helpful.
Another step to bolster person
mel at the Sanatorium was taken
yesterday afternoon by Harold A
McAlllSter, secretary of the District
Personnel Board, and Paul Keen
administrative assistant to DR.. Fl
nacune. who visited the United
STATES Employment Office for the
District at sol K street NV.
Search for Workers.
Mr.. McAllister said that a repre-
sentative OF the District govern
ment, probably Mr.. Keen. would
stay at the employment office three
days a week, searching for such
workers as cooks, gardeners, fire.
men and engineers. He said they
had been assured that Glenn Dale
would receive preference if such
workers became available.
DR.. Finacune has emphasized the
problem Of obtaining personnel be-
cause Of the difficulties in reaching
Glenn Dale At present, the only
interstate bus line goes only within
three quarters of a mile of Glenn
Dale and the hours of operation are
inconvenient. The superintendent
also has urged higher pay for en-
ployeS because of the hesitancy tc
work at tubercular institution.