Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-06-07
Survey Calls for
ConvaIescents'
Facilities Here
'GIoringIy Bore Spot
Seen Causing Grave
Situation in Area
By Harold B. ROGERS

By Harold B. Rogers
Serious lack of suitable facilities
for convalescent care of the sick in
the National Capital Area was said
today to constitute grave situa-
ton"
although the whole picture of
hospital and medical care is far
from complete in the District and
surrounding areas" declared the
Metropolitan Health and Hospital
Survey, "convalescence is indeed a
glaringly bare spot in this picture"
Chapter XIV of the survey, made
for the Metropolitan Health Council,
a division of the Council of Social
Agencies, points to several possible
solutions of the problem.
Conditions here, the report said,
"argue eloquently for the develop
ment in the whole survey area of a
plan which can be the framework
upon which a comprehensive con-
valeScent program can gradually be
built"
No Outlet at Gallinger.
Gallinger Hospital has no proper
outlet through which convalescence
can be provided, contended the re-
port. It added:
"So-called nursing homes of the
area >. are indeed a weak reed for
the community to lean upon for its
convalescent care"
Based on experience elsewhere a
total of at least $50 beds would be
required in the District alone to
met the need.
A hint that there may be hope for
the project was voiced. THE only
advantage, If it may be called that,
declared the report. sis the oppor-
tunity which is offered for the build
ing up of complete program. So
little is being done that few vested
interests will need to be humored
In setting up truly comprehensive
plan"
Declaring it rather out of the
question" to expect many individual
hospitals would be able to establish
convaleScent homes, the report said
lit is not too ambitious to hope that
some Of them eventually will be able
to do So"
Looks to Teaching Hospitals.
The two teaching hospitals, for
tnstance-George Washington Uni
versity and Georgetown University
whose new buildings now are under
construction by Federal aid. it was
said, might we'll consider the pos
sibility suggested the survey.
"If the medical center proposed
by the Tydings bill eventuates,"
continued the report, "a convalescent
home which can accept all con-
valescent groups except the PSYCHE
atric would be an appropriate unit
of this center. A general convalescent
home of 100 beds with accommoda-
lions for adults and children, white
and nonwhite, would be a valuable |
beginning toward the solution of |
this problem"
The Senate-passed Tydings bill
for Federal aid, however, has been
delayed further by the House Dis
trict Committee. Fears are being
expressed by its hackers it may be
lost in the log-jam of legislation
piling up before adjournment or re-
cess OF Congress in July or August. |
Other Recommendations.
Other recommendations in the
report:
A permanent committee of the
new National Capital Area Hospital |
Council should be set up to prepare
a "long-range plan"
Both white and Negro elements
should have full consideration
A new childrens convalescent IA
cility, affiliated with Children's Hos
pital should be considered, with
adequate provision for whites and
Negroes up to the age of IA.
Interest and aid" of the medical
profession should be sought.
Full consideration should be given
to underprivileged groups for home
convalescent care. Sources of sup
port should be explored for adequate
financing of care for patients I'M
able to finance themselves.
Strong Affiliations should be es-
tablished between convalescent in
situations and stats of referring
hospitals.
Possibilities of foster homes for
convalescence should be explored,
especially for infants.
Medical social workers should
take an active part in helping in
tegrate convalescent service with
hospital physician, family and con-
valescent facility.
Points to Resources.
Pointing to financial resources
available for convalescent care, the
report said that this area has the
usual resources of a metropolitan
community, but added: Because OF
lack of coordination of health and
welfare efforts, these funds seem
not always to have been used to the
patients best advantage"
Seven sources were named as pro-
viding some funds: The physical
restoration sections of the Rehabili-
tation Divisions of the two nearby
States and the District, for those
over 16; local units of the National
Foundation for Infantile Paralysis;
District Society for Crippled Chill
dren. the Public Welfare Depart
ments; official crippled children's
programs for those under 81, welfare
funds of governmental agencies, and
Health Security Agency, on a loan
basis"
1.-THE Blue Cross and the Group
Health Association for hospital in
sufance," explained the report, "do
not yet assume responsibility for
payment for convalescent care, al
though the Blue Cross recognizes
that it actually does pay for conva-
descent care when people stay un-
in &lao Ia