p. 18 | Our Nebraska Sanitariums by L. A. HANSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1915

Our Nebraska Sanitariums

By L. A. HANSEN

THE sanitarium at College View is more than holding its own, and this against some disadvantages. With a building originally designed and used as a school dormitory, it has been more or less difficult and inconvenient to adapt it to sanitarium purposes. Changes have been made from time to time.

The management some time ago saw the need of rather extensive repair work. Money was borrowed with which to make the most necessary repairs, and this was repaid in a little while. The halls, lobby, and a number of guest rooms were put in order, with paint and plaster. The bathrooms were replastered, and a new heating system was installed.

Results of this were seen at once in a larger and better-pleased patronage. The work of the institution was done with better credit, and the income increased. No increase of indebtedness has resulted on account of the repair-and-improvement policy, the work being continued as means would permit.

The capacity of the institution is seventy to eighty patients. The past season has seen sixty-five at one time. The patronage largely represents a fairly well-to-do farming class. All lines of sanitarium work are carried on, with a fair proportion of surgery. It is aimed to make the institution representative of our distinct medical field.

A new building has been erected for the Sanitarium Food Company, filling a much-felt need, and placing that department on vantage ground. Two auto deliveries are busy in supplying the local trade. Goods are shipped to surrounding States.

To my mind this sanitarium has an encouraging outlook. The improvement in the general appearance of the place, the changes to insure better service, and the disposition to further develop efficiency are assurances of success.

Nebraska Sanitarium at Hastings

The sanitarium at Hastings was established as a branch of the one at College View, but seems to have rapidly outgrown this relation, becoming quite a fully matured institution in itself, and a very busy one, too. Every room has been full most of the year. It was stated that if the average patronage had been one more, it would have been one too many for the capacity.

An annex is just being completed, with twenty rooms available for the growing needs of the sanitarium. Another building located on the same block, has been purchased. This enables practically all the nurses to room in buildings owned by the institution, and within easy call.

A favorable financial showing is being made, one of the best to be seen anywhere in our sanitarium work. While rates are quite low, the institution more than meets running expenses.

The superintendent, Dr. E. D. Haysmer, is winning the confidence of the community. Outside doctors are showing

a very friendly attitude. Dr. Clara Schunk, the house physician, also maintains a position of respect and confidence, and finds ample opportunity for field work. Thus the sanitarium is gaining in its range of acquaintance and reputation.

At present the work is largely surgical. Not only is the superintendent called to do considerable work of this kind, but surgeons of the vicinity utilize the sanitarium facilities. This gives a larger number of short-stay patients than is usually seen in our sanitariums.

There are advantages in this, and there are also disadvantages. A paying business is thus secured, and workers obtain quite a full training and experience in surgical care and nursing. The opportunity to educate and train patients in health principles is not so good as when they come for general care and remain some time. The spiritual work for guests is likewise reduced.

Help should be given the management in developing a general sanitarium patronage. Our people in that vicinity can do this by calling attention to the work of the institution, and emphasizing the value of its general facilities. We must be careful to make plain the difference between one of our health institutions and the ordinary hospital, and emphasize the fact that our work is not in competition with hospitals, but is a work not done elsewhere.

The sanitarium at Hastings is well prepared to care for all classes of patients usually received by our health institutions. It has a good location and is well-equipped. There is a full corps of capable workers. With the start it already has financially, and with all its good facilities, this institution should make a splendid record. L. A. HANSEN.