Our Northwestern Sanitariums by L. A. HANSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1915

Our Northwestern Sanitariums

By L. A. HANSEN

THE encouraging features attending the sanitarium work in the Northwest are not a few. Progress is being made out of conditions that at one time looked unpromising. It has meant and will mean hard work and considerable perplexity to those in charge, but sound principles and good management will continue to win out.

Walla Walla Sanitarium, College Place, Wash.

This sanitarium was literally full, so much so that a guest room at the college had to be secured for the visitor. A patient applying at the same time had to share accommodations with another patient. A good class of patients is coming, and the local support is strong.

Not only has the sanitarium been self-supporting, but an appreciable inroad is being made on the former indebtedness. The confidence of the community has been gained, and the standing of the institution is most creditable.

Much has been done in adding facilities and in making repairs and improvements. A balky horse, the only means of transportation, has given place to an automobile; and an unsightly barn and cow shed, to a neat but inexpensive garage. The heating system has been changed, at a cost of $600. New carpets and linoleum have been secured. A new sterilizer has been purchased. The interior of the building has been refinished, and some outside painting has been done. The bathrooms have been remodeled.

The superintendent, Dr. John Reith, has in a conservative way developed his surgery until he is now prepared to take care of practically all who come, for operations. Confidence in the professional work is freely expressed. A happy family of capable nurses and other workers help to maintain the high standards of the institution. The manager of the sanitarium, F. W. Peterson, carries also the business management of the Walla Walla College. His labors are appreciated, and the relation of the two institutions is helpful.

Portland (Oregon) Sanitarium

Here, too, the sanitarium work has had to meet a handicap of original indebtedness. There was a time, not many years ago, when the cash on hand was but little more than one hundred dollars, while the outstanding bills and accounts were in the thousands. Now the feeling of business men toward the sanitarium is one of confidence. Bills are met so as to secure discounts, and the sanitarium account is desirable. The payment of interest on notes is anticipated; interest has been reduced, and creditors feel satisfied. City improvements added $7,000 to the sanitarium indebtedness, but half of this has been met. No further increase of indebtedness has been made, and no money is being borrowed to pay interest or expenses.

The superintendent, Dr. W. B. Holden, has a reputation for surgery that has brought considerable work of this class.

While there are several hospitals in the city and there has been some falling off in their patronage, our institution has held a full share of business. The surgical cases for the past year numbered 331. Regular medical work is not neglected, the year recording 288 cases of this kind.

The chaplain, C. J. Cummings, finds many opportunities for Bible study and prayer with patients. Several have accepted present truth since leaving. The nurses manifest a good interest in missionary effort.

L. A. HANSEN.