Little Visits to Sanitariums by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 13, 1916

Little Visits to Sanitariums

By L. A. Hansen

It was my privilege to call at some of our sanitariums on my way to the fall council at Loma Linda. These visits were for the purpose of submitting department plans and suggestions and of securing counsel on the same. We are gratified at the cooperation shown, and believe that conditions are making for increased strength in our sanitarium work. Careful study is being given to methods and plans, and there is an interchange of ideas that is helpful.

That there is improvement in a number of features in our sanitariums is evident. With increasing experience in management, administration problems are being solved. Capable workers are becoming more numerous. Financial conditions are becoming better. The status of the nurses’ training schools is assuming shape for better handling. The need of making the institutions stronger spiritual centers is becoming apparent, and we hope to see the day soon come when our whole sanitarium work will fill its appointed place as a successful means of soul saving.

The Madison (Wis.) Sanitarium

The full-house patronage already reported, has practically prevailed here most of this year. It has not been unusual for a room to be taken just as soon as it has been made ready after the departure of the previous guest, so that at no time have rooms stood vacant long.

Physicians from surrounding towns are sending patients to the sanitarium. and even coming themselves in some instances for surgical care or other treatment. There is also considerable demand for our nurses for outside cases in near-by towns. The patronage from Madison is on the increase.

Some idea may be had of the amount of work from that done in the bathrooms. The ladies’ department gave fifty-five treatments in one day, and the men’s department gave twenty-six treatments. For a small institution, that is excellent.

The patrons of the Madison Sanitarium come for medical attention, and not for mere recreation. They are largely from a well-to-do middle class.

Dr. F. C. Dean is now house physician, and is getting well installed in his work. He has cordial relations with the family and with the patients.

The spiritual work of the institution is carried on in a definite and positive manner by the lady chaplain, Mrs. C. B. Christiansen. In reply to inquiries concerning her work, she stated that she found many opportunities of giving our specific truths, both in public and in private.

The dining room service shows marked improvement. Betterment in other lines is being made. The business management shows development that is highly commendable, and the constituency of this institution can well feel free to give its heartiest support. This is needed and is deserved.

The Tri-City Sanitarium

Located at Moline, Ill., and adjacent to Rock Island and Davenport, this sanitarium has a large local territory to serve. Its influence reaches quite a way beyond, however, and its work is on the increase.

Dr. F. J. Otis, the superintendent, came into the institution when it had practically no surgical work. This has grown till it is a marked feature of the institution, although all lines of sanitarium work are carried on.

The returning guest or visitor will see several changes, all for the better. A business office has been created by closing the reception room off from the parlor, giving needed quiet to both rooms. The gymnasium has been divided into three nice large guest rooms, increasing the possible income from this source $80 per week. A large classroom and chapel has been made out of an unprofitable lower-floor space, formerly used more for storage purposes than anything else.

The two bath departments have been thoroughly overhauled. The partitions, raised from the floor and about six feet high, have been replastered with a hard cement plaster. The doors into the treatment sections swing both ways. Pieces of plate glass, about four by ten inches, on either side, are used instead of knobs. Doors, partitions, and walls are nicely painted. Everything looks clean. It is very pleasing to see what white paint can do, and the cost of such improvement is not usually prohibitive.

The new manager, H. H. Todd, has had considerable business experience, as well as close touch with various lines of sanitarium work. The work here is benefiting by it.

The workers are greatly encouraged at the results of the tent meetings held this season, twenty-one having been baptized thus far. A church building is planned, and donations are being secured.

About $3,000 in cash and pledges has been raised. The credit for this is largely given to Dr. Estella Norman, who has been persistently diligent in soliciting from business people and others.

The sanitarium has just issued a nice new catalogue, of which we can take especial pride in the fact that it was entirely done by the printing department of our Emmanuel Missionary College, at Berrien Springs, Mich.

Considerable charity work is being done by the institution, possibly more than it can well afford from a financial standpoint. It is well situated for doing a large amount of good in different ways. A good class of patients patronize it; its student nurses are fine young people, and those in charge are capable and skillful. A rich measure of spiritual power should make the Tri-City Sanitarium an institution of wonderful blessing.

The Iowa Sanitarium

A short visit to the Iowa Sanitarium, located at Nevada, Iowa, was sufficient to show that it is making progress in its work. The location proves a good one, and is a strong contrast to its former city location in Des Moines. A substantial class of patrons come to it in sufficient number to keep it quite busy. Most of the past season has seen the building nearly filled.

Dr. H. W. Barbour, the superintendent, came to the institution about a year ago, with a good, ripe experience in surgery and general medical and hospital practice. He also brought considerable equipment for laboratory and X-ray work. A new laboratory is being put in, with additional facilities. Much attention is being given this part of the work, with good results.

Dr. Owen S. Parrett, from Loma Linda, is associated in the medical work, and holds the esteem and confidence of the workers and patients.

W. C. Foreman, formerly of the Tri-City Sanitarium, is business manager. He is studying the needs of this institution, and plans a number of improvements.

Miss Hannah Larson is still acting as head nurse, and carries her responsibilities with a due sense of their weight. The value of her labor is appreciated.

The building, being a new one, is mainly in good condition. It has very nice guest rooms, at most reasonable rates. The contemplated changes in the bathrooms and culinary department will make the place one of special credit. There is no reason, from my observation, why its work should not be highly successful.

L. A. HANSEN.