Reduced Rates for Our People in the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium by R. S. Ingersoll

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1910

Reduced Rates for Our People in the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium

By R. S. Ingersoll

In looking over the history of the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium we have reason to be encouraged.

This institution began its career in June, 1907, since which time there has been a gradual increase in patronage. For instance, the average monthly receipts during the year 1908 were about fifty per cent better than in 1907. In 1909 the increase was again about fifty per cent above that of 1908. The management feel very hopeful for its future prosperity.

In looking over the field in which this institution is located, and in considering the work that it ought to be doing in helping all classes of people, we note that there has heretofore been no provision for caring for those who are not able to pay our regular prices, less the usual discount given to our own people. We have therefore been led to consider this matter carefully, and to see if it would be possible for us to do something in order to meet the need that undoubtedly exists; namely, a place where those of our own people as well as others in need of medical attention can come and have the necessary care at prices within their reach.

We have therefore devised the following plan: We will vacate certain rooms in our Annex building, which is at the present used as a home for our nurses, and conduct it on the plan of a hospital. Instead of large wards, we will use the rooms as “ward rooms,” which means that patients on one floor will

be cared for by one or two nurses as may be found necessary, who will look after the needs of from eight to twelve patients each. Even bed patients can be cared for in this way very comfortably and economically. Each bed will be provided with means by which the occupant can call the nurse on duty at any time when necessary.

Prices are therefore offered as below, and include room, board, and treatment: One person in room, a week, ten dollars, or two persons in one room, a week, eight dollars. As these prices are not sufficient to cover more than actual cost of food and service, we must hold strictly to our regulation of weekly payments in advance. Those who can not do this will undoubtedly be able to secure the necessary help from their local church or conference.

We wish to emphasize the fact that the treatments which the patients will receive are the same as will be given to those who are paying the best rates in the institution. We will use the same methods and appliances.

This arrangement does not modify the already published price-list. Any who are desirous of entering the main building and taking rooms there may have the discount which we give to Seventh-day Adventists; namely, twenty per cent from our list prices, for room, board, and treatment.

Those patients who are in need of surgery can have the work done for them in our regular operating room in the main building, and if necessary remain in the main building for a short time as they may require, and afterward be shifted to the hospital building, where their expenses can be materially reduced, as they will have the attention of the general nurse rather than a private nurse.

We feel that this will meet a crying need at the present time, and will be glad to answer any questions in regard to the matter.

R. S. INGERSOLL, M. D., Medical Supt.