THE BOULDER-COLORADO SANITARIUM, CONSISTING OF A LARGE MAIN BUILDING AND TWENTY-TWO SMALLER BUILDINGS
The last of a series of three medical conventions was held at Boulder, Colo., April 4-6. The sanitarium work of the Central and Northern Union Conferences was well represented, the superintendent and manager of each of the sanitariums being present, with the exception of Dr. H. W. Barbour of the Iowa Sanitarium, who was unable to attend on account of emergency work.
The following were listed among the delegates and visitors: Drs. H. W. Miller, H. A. Green, J. D. Shively, E. D. Haysmer, L. A. Sutter, Kate Lindsay, F. H. Weber, Anna B. Durrie, N. C. Nelson, C. H. Morian; Brethren I. H. Evans, W. T. Knox, N. Z. Town, R. A. Underwood, A. T. Robinson, E. G. Fulton, R. R. Cook, E. J. Baker, A. F. Kirk, Burton Castle, R. L. Carson, T. S. Dock, E. L. Austin, Chas. Beeby, H. L. Holmden, A. W. Lane, W. W. Ruble, C. L. Taylor, M. B. Smith, Ralph Emery, J. P. Hansen, E. M. Frost, and L. A. Hansen; Sisters Rosella Collie, Flora Huenergardt, Ada J. Madison. There were also a number of nurses and other workers from the Boulder Sanitarium in attendance at some of the meetings.
A committee on plans consisted of W. T. Knox, Dr. H. A. Green, Dr. J. D. Shively, A. T. Robinson, and L. A. Hansen. The members of the committee on training schools were Dr. H. W. Miller, Dr. L. A. Sutter, Dr. Kate Lindsay, Dr. E. D. Haysmer, and R. A. Underwood.
The program of the convention was much the same as of the previous two conventions, the same general agenda paper being followed in all. The discussions took the same general course as that followed in the other conventions, and the same excellent spirit prevailed throughout. Nothing occurred to mar the unity of the meeting or to detract from the object of the convention. The unanimous sentiment was that the occasion was one of entire blessing.
While it was recognized that some expense is involved in thus bringing these workers together in these conventions, it was also recognized that it has cost much more not to hold more frequent medical conventions. All felt assured that our medical missionary work will greatly profit by these three conventions, and that the future bids fair for the carrying out of the principles for which our health work stands.
Some additional recommendations were adopted at the Boulder convention, all of which will appear in due time, with a summary of the discussions.
The Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium
This is perhaps the most proper time and place to make special mention of the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium and its work. The medical convention gave the visitors a good opportunity of becoming better acquainted with this splendid institution and its fine family of workers. We feel no hesitancy in speaking of this sanitarium and its progress in most favorable terms.
Those acquainted with the adverse conditions under which this sanitarium has operated for a long time will the better appreciate learning that last year's business showed an operating gain of over $5,500, after generous allowance for depreciations, and that, even after the large interest account had been paid, a net gain of over $2,000 was shown. The financial statement of the treasurer shows great care and detail in the accounting department, covering a comprehensive departmental cost system.
A feature especially noticeable is that while there is felt an urgent need for certain improvements and additional equipment, much care and economy is shown in expenditures in this direction, the workers being willing to get along as economically as possible until conditions will permit securing added facilities. At the same time, the appearance of the institution does not betray any lack of means nor does the grade of work done indicate anything wanting. Things look good, work is up to the standard, and results are excellent. A saving could probably be effected and the earnings increased with a little more equipment.
The last three years have seen a constant growth in patronage, the winter's business showing its part in the increase, which is especially desirable, this having been the dull season, and presenting the biggest problem of finance to the management. The summer's patronage will run to about 130 patients, while the winter's work falls below what is necessary to meet operating expenses.
It looks as if considerable increase in the winter's patronage might be secured if there were general cooperation on the part of all our people who could help to send patients to Boulder. The institution is well prepared to care for them, and any one can feel free to recommend people to the institution. There is considerable territory that could contribute patronage. With some public city work that may be entered into by the institution, and with field work by its constituency, the winter patronage should soon be almost equal to that of the summer season. This would mean a great deal to the sanitarium in its financial outlook and its work in general.
Another medical institution near by offers strong competition in some lines. Some physicians who while friendly to our institution are more closely affiliated with the other, are giving it support that might otherwise come to us. A more up-to-date equipment in some lines, new20buildings, and some other advantages help to draw business to the other institution. Nevertheless, our own is enjoying a growing local patronage.
Four doctors are associated with the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium. Through medical society meetings and by other means, they have pleasant relations with the medical fraternity and other people of Boulder. They are offered opportunities of doing public work of an educational nature. Likewise does the business management sustain relations with the commercial bodies and business men of the city that help in keeping this sanitarium favorably before the public.
Considerable is being done in caring for those unable to pay regular rates—possibly more than the institution can afford in its own present needy condition. A liberal spirit in this direction is shown, and this should be appreciated by our people; it offers another good reason why they should help in securing a paying patronage.
While there has been irregularity in the definite oversight of the spiritual work of the sanitarium, there prevails a reasonably good spirit in this matter. A large share of the burden of this part of the work now falls on Sister Ada J. Madison, who acts as Bible teacher for the students, gives readings to patients, looks after making provision for patients' public worship, and sees to providing suitable entertainment for patients. She is busy, and profitably so.
Health educational work is being carried forward by the medical staff. Dr. H. A. Green (superintendent), Dr. Kate Lindsay, Dr. Anna B. Durrie, and Dr. F. H. Weber all do their share, inside and out, in carrying forward this part of the work. The tourist class is now in less evidence. Persons are not encouraged to stay simply as boarders. This is beneficial in various ways.
The cooperation and lack of friction seen among those in responsibility is gratifying. The business interests are carried by a financial committee. R. R. Cook looks after certain house management. E. J. Baker is treasurer and head office man. The managing board and the faculty, together with all the workers, make up a good, strong working force. May the Lord continue to bless them all abundantly and give success to their labors.
