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Annual Report Of The Surgeon-In-Chief, 1930, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, Inc.

Creator: Dr. Leroy W. Hubbard (author)
Date: 1930
Source: Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Archives

1  

Foreword

2  

There is always a great deal of satisfaction in observing growth and progress. As each year goes by I derive especial pleasure from reading Dr. Hubbard's interesting report indicating an ever widening field of service at Warm Springs to paralysis patients. I think his classification of patients by "age groups" and by "parts affected" for instance, is of great interest to doctors, laymen and patients.

3  

It is results rather than possibilities which are significant, and these concise annual reports give us a very definite picture of just what has been happening at Warm Springs for the year preceding.

4  

Our Trustees are anxious to have our many friends constantly informed of the splendid work which is being carried on by the Foundation. Because we feel you will obtain a better understanding of what we are trying to accomplish, Dr. Hubbard's 1930 Report has been prepared for distribution. We have taken the liberty of adding a few photographs, simply for your more complete information.

5  

Faithfully yours,
Franklin D. Roosevelt
For the Trustees.

6  

Hon. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President,
Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, Inc.,
120 Broadway, New York.

7  

Dear Sir:

8  

I beg to submit the report of the Medical Department of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation for the year ending December 31, 1930.

9  

Patients

10  

While the number of patients has increased, the percentage of increase was not as large as that of 1929 over 1928.

11  

In 1928 there were 151 patients, and in 1929, 215; a gain of 42%. In 1930 there were 248 patients, or a gain of only 15%. This was due to the falling off during the last six months.

12  

During January, February, March, and most of April, the Foundation was running at full capacity, with between 90 and 100 patients and a waiting list. On June 30th the number of patients had reached 190 as against 151 the previous year, and it seemed as if the total for the year would reach 300.

13  

On January 1st 1930 there were 41 patients who had been admitted during 1929 and remained over the holidays. This is ten more than were here on January 1st, 1929, and 27 more than in 1928.

14  

The arrivals and departures according to months were as follows:

15  

Arrivals

16  

Present January 1st. 41
January 55
February 12
March 12
April 13
May 19
June 38
July 14
August 5
September 7
October 8
November 14
December 10
248

17  

Departures

18  

January 1
February 4
March 11
April 20
May 40
June 19
July 13
August 36
September 18
October 10
November 5
December 26
203

19  

There were 45 patients on December 31st. 15 patients were admitted twice during the year or one half as many as in 1929.

20  

The total treatment weeks was 3579, or an average of 14.5 weeks per patient. This is 2.5 weeks less than the average stay for 1929.

21  

Of the total of 248 patients, 218 had poliomyelitis and 30 came for other conditions.

22  

This shows that while there was a gain of only 15% of the total number of patients, there was a gain of 22.4% in the poliomyelitis patients -- in whom we are especially interested and for whom we can do the most.

23  

The total number of patients divided according to sex were 128 males and 120 females. Of the 218 poliomyelitis cases 110 were males and 108 females, following the almost equal division of previous years.

24  

Of the 248 patients 115, or 22 less than in 1929, came for the first time. Of the remainder 87 had been here one previous year; 29 two years; 14 three years; 2 four years, and 1 five years. That is, over 53% of the patients as compared with 37% in 1929 came back for treatment in one or more years, again demonstrating their confidence in the treatment at Warm Springs.

25  

The age group of the patients was as follows:

26  

1-4 years 5
4-9 22
9-14 46
14-19 59
19-24 36
24-29 29
29-38 24
Over 38 27
248

27  

This table shows that 175 of our patients, or more than 70% were over the age of 14.

28  

With the exception of two institutions in New York State, the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation is the only institution in the United States where adolescent and adult infantile paralysis patients may obtain systematic after treatment at cost.

29  

The following table of the poliomyelitis cases shows the parts affected on admission:

30  

Both arms, legs and trunk 56
Both legs and trunk 73
Both legs 28
Both arms 7
One arm 1
One leg 16
One arm and one leg 8
Both arms and one leg 1
Both legs and one arm 2
One arm, both legs and trunk 14
One leg and trunk 4
One arm, one leg and trunk 2
Both arms and legs 3
Throat 1
218

31  

This table shows that 90% of the polio patients were of the severe type with a large number of muscle groups involved. Our records indicate that this has been true of our patients each year.

32  

Classified according to the date of onset of the attack and previous to admission, our patients are grouped in the following table:

33  

Less than one year 11
One year 25
Two years 23
Three years 32
Four years 10
Five years 18
Five to ten years 39
Ten to twenty years 40
Over twenty years 20
218

34  

Eleven patients, the same number as in 1929, or 5% came less than a year after their attack; 59, or 27% within two years and 1 19, or 55% within five years.

35  

In 1929 the patients came from thirty of the forty-eight states, the District of Columbia and Canada; in 1930 they came from forty states, showing a much wider distribution. New York State leads with 69; Illinois, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts 13 each; Michigan 11; New Jersey and Ohio 10 each; Texas 7; Oklahoma and Minnesota 6 each; District of Columbia, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee and Virginia 5 each; Canada, Rhode Island and Wisconsin 4 each and the others from 1 to 3.

36  

The Staff

37  

On January 1st the Medical Staff consisted of the Surgeon-in-Chief, the Assistant Surgeon, Medical Attendant, the Nurse in charge of the Infirmary, the Director of Physiotherapy and twelve Physiotherapists.

38  

Dr. Frank Brostrom, as assistant surgeon, has confirmed the impression expressed in my report of last year and has proved a most valuable aid to the Surgeon-in-Chief, He has had entire direction of the work at the pool and has supervised the infirmary, and the making of the plaster casts and jackets. He also gave a weekly course of instruction in anatomy to the physiotherapists during the winter. Specimens obtained through the courtesy of the Anatomy Department of Emory University were dissected.

39  

Dr. Johnson, our medical attendant, has continued his faithful and efficient service to the patients and employees. Every new patient and employee had had a complete physical examination which has proven very valuable to the general health of the individuals.

40  

The rapid increase of patients during January made it necessary to engage three additional physiotherapists for a four months service. These assistants were secured from the George Peabody School for Teachers at Nashville, Tenn.

41  

Four of the regular staff resigned during the year and one was given an indefinite leave of absence on account of illness. Two were engaged to take their places and one of those who resigned returned in December so that at the end of the year we had nine active physiotherapists on duty.

42  

Two of our physiotherapists were given leaves of absence for temporary service elsewhere -- one took charge of a pool at a summer home for crippled children from New York City at Rhinebeck, N. Y., during July and August, and the other left in November to assume direction of the pool of the Evelyn Goldsmith Home for crippled children at Far Rockaway, Long Island, N.Y.

43  

Two physiotherapists -- one from Chicago, III., and the other from Rochester, N. Y. -- came to us for post-graduate instruction in water exercises. A graduate of the Peabody School who had been here during the summer of 1929 came again for temporary service. Another graduate of the Peabody School was engaged by the Foundation during July, August and part of September as swimming instructor for the patients during the morning, and in the afternoon to take charge of the public pool.

44  

In June Miss Mahony was given a leave of absence and Miss Alice Lou Plastridge was engaged to take her place as Director of Physiotherapy, beginning July 1st.

45  

Miss Plastridge's training and experience in Chicago and at Warm Springs during the summer of 1929, together with her splendid personality make her unusually well qualified for this position, and the Foundation is very fortunate to secure her services.

46  

It is hard for me to fully express my appreciation of the services rendered by Miss Binford as Nurse at the Infirmary. Her efficiency, untiring zeal and personal interest in the patients are largely responsible for the good health of the community. That part of my report on the work of the Norman Wilson Memorial Infirmary indicates the amount of service she has rendered.

47  

Mrs. Murrell, our efficient and loved Housemother in the Colony, was obliged to take a leave of absence in the fall on account of illness, and Miss Keswick who had had considerable experience in Vermont, was engaged to take her place. She is rendering splendid' service.

48  

Staff of Physiotherapists

49  

Alice Lou Plastridge, Director

50  

Helen Lauer,
Washington, D.C.

51  

Mary Hudson,
Albany, Ga.

52  

Mrs. Martha Parker Mays,
Warm Springs, Ga.

53  

D. Louise Mims,
Thomasville, Ga.

54  

Margaret Moore,
Algood, Tenn.

55  

Vera Rickman,
Nashville, Tenn.

56  

Mary Lucille,
Nashville, Tenn.

57  

Mary Lucille Daniels,
Halls, Tenn.

58  

Phyllis De Brick,
Bluefield, W. Va.

59  

S. Francis Holmes,
Valdosta, Ga.

60  

Julia Warwick,
Nashville, Tenn.

61  

Additions and Improvements

62  

No construction of new buildings was undertaken during the year, but minor improvements and replacements to the present plant have been made to increase their utility.

63  

The installation of a telephone system connecting the different offices and departments has facilitated the work of administration greatly. For instance, the pool is now connected with the manager's office at the Inn, etc.

64  

The purchase of the so-called Bradley Cottage, adjoining the Cleveland Cottage, in the fall, has provided a place much more accessible and suitable for the walking exercises on cold and rainy days than the Playhouse. It is expected that this will be ready for use of patients early in 1931.

65  

The Norman Wilson Memorial Infirmary

66  

The Infirmary was completed and equipped March first, and has been in constant use ever since. It was the outstanding addition to the plant of the Foundation for 1930, and will be a perpetual memorial to the devotion of the patients and their friends to Warm Springs.

67  

The building itself is a fireproof one story building of southern colonial architecture, and is of imposing appearance. The planning and arrangement is a model for the needs of people who use canes and wheel chairs as they get about. The interior arrangements, furnishings and equipment -- the result of long and careful planning -- have demonstrated after nearly a year of service, that there is very little to be criticised or changed.

68  

Both wards and one of the private rooms have bronze tablets in memory of Dr. Bruno W. Bierbauer to whose interest and that of his friends this addition to the Foundation was largely due. The two bed private room was equipped by Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Phillips. The laboratory was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene S. Wilson in memo of their son Wells Patterson, a former patient. The x-ray room was named for Mr. H. E. Chubbock, who had presented the x-ray a apparatus to the Foundation two years ago.

69  

A beautiful watercolor painting was presented to the girl's ward by the artist, Miss C. I. Blinn, a former patient.

70  

Acknowledgment and great appreciation is due the many patients and their friends, in addition to these people already mentioned who very generously contributed in varying amounts to the Infirmary Fund. It was this cumulative interest which resulted in the ultimate construction and equipment of the Infirmary.

71  

The following tables show the amount of service which the Infirmary rendered during the first ten months of its operation:

72  

Hospital Department

73  

Cases treated:

74  

Patients and Guests Employees Total
45 18 63

75  

Total hospital days 402. Average days per patient 6.4.

76  

Diseases and Injuries Treated

77  

Abscess 2
Sprains 4
Postoperatives 6
Infections 5
Pneumonia 1
Poison Ivy 3
Bronchitis 3
Tonsilitis 10
Neuritis 1
Fractures 4
Malaria 2
Pneumonia 1
Colds 16
Intestinals 4

78  

Two recent cases of poliomyelitis of severe type who needed special care and service were kept in the Infirmary until they could be transferred to the Colony.

79  

One operation -- a tonsilectory -- was performed by Dr. Johnson, assisted by Dr. Brostrom, on the wife of one of the employees.

80  

Twenty-five x-ray pictures were taken of seventeen patients and guests and eight employees.

81  

Dr. Brostrom made 22 plaster splints for arms and legs, and 3 plaster jackets.

82  

Out Patient Department

83  

Patients and Guests Employees Total
Number attending clinic 179 74 273
Number visits to clinic 509 500 1009
Number physical examinations 152 287 409
Wasserman examinations 4 72 76
Injections Neo Arsephenanine - 90 90
Injections Bismuth - 42 42

84  

Treatments by Nurse

85  

Patients and Guests Employees Total
Surgical Dressings 295 138 433
Throat Treatments 263 145 408
Ear Treatments 58 34 92
Eye Treatment 5 1 6
Serums and vaccines given 25 53 78
Miscellaneous 14 - 14
660 371 1031

86  

In December one of the physiotherapist staff developed an acute attack of appendicitis. She was taken at once to the Wesley Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for an operation, and has made a perfect recovery.

87  

The general health of the community, including patients and employees, has been the best since the Foundation was established. I believe that this is due in a great measure to the fact that we had the infirmary to which we could immediately transfer any patient or employee who showed any symptoms of illness, and thus prevent the spread of colds and other infections.

88  

The lack of accommodations for the care of the colored sick among the employees has been a serious drawback to the efficiency of the Infirmary, and I hope that this year there may be funds available to equip rooms in the basement for these people, which was contemplated in the original plan.

89  

I am again appending a summary of weather conditions compiled from my daily records.

90  

Respectfully submitted,
LeRoy W. Hubbard
Surgeon-in-Chief.

91  

Warm Springs, Ga.
January 17, 1931.

92  

METEROLOGICAL RECORD 1930

93  

Av. High Temp. Av. Low Temp Av. Mean Temp Clear Days Partly Cloudy Days Cloudy Days Rain
January 57.2 40. 48.6 16 10 5 7
February 66.4 44.3 55.3 22 3 3 5
March 62.3 45. 53.6 14 7 10 9
April 75.6 55.4 65.5 23 4 3 5
May 82.6 63.8 73.2 17 5 9 7
June 84.5 69.3 76.9 23 4 3 7
July 89.9 74.8 82.3 20 6 5 9
August 85.4 72. 78.7 19 10 2 5
September 82.1 71.3 76.7 16 7 7 12
October 72. 56.8 64.4 25 1 5 5
November 61.5 45.9 53.7 13 3 14 12
December 53.6 36.6 45. 16 5 10 5
Av. Mean Temp 72.8 56.3 64.5 224 65 76 88

94  

The record for 1930 shows a greater number of clear and partly cloudy days than any previous year. In common with many sections of the country it was a very dry year but we did not have any excessive period of drought.

95  

While July, August and September were unusually hot, the temperature reaching 100o on several occasions, the average for the year was practically the same as in previous years.

96  

There were only 76 cloudy days and while rain-fall on 88 days, in the majority there was only moderate or slight precipitation and the total rain-fall was below normal.

97  

TRUSTEES

98  

Franklin D. Roosevelt, President
Basil O'Connor, Treasurer
Arthur Carpenter, Warm Springs, Ga.
Leroy W. Hubbard, Warm Springs, Ga.
Jeremiah Milbank, New York City
James A. Moffett, New York City
George Foster Peabody, Saratoga, N. Y. C.
Frank C. Root, Greenwich, Conn.
Leighton McCarthy, Toronto, Canada
Eugene S. Wilson, New York City
William H. Woodin, New York City

99  

Board of Consultants

100  

Dr. Leroy C. Abbott
St. Louis, Mo.

101  

Dr. Fred. Warren Bailey
St. Louis, Mo.

102  

Dr. George E. Bennett
Baltimore, Md.

103  

Dr. Willis C. Campbell
Memphis, Tenn.

104  

Dr. Frank D. Dickson
Kansas City, Mo.

105  

Dr. George Draper
New York City

106  

Dr. Albert H. Freiberg
Cincinnati, Ohio

107  

Dr. John Lincoln Porter
Evanston, III.

108  

Dr. Paul Haertl
Bad Kissingen, Germany

109  

Michael Hoke
Atlanta, Ga.

110  

Dr. Ludwig Hektoen
Chicago, Ill.

111  

Dr. Arthur T. Legg
Boston, Mass.

112  

Dr. Beveridge H. Moore
Chicago, Ill.

113  

Dr. Frank R. Ober
Boston, Mass.

114  

Dr. Robert B. Osgood
Boston, Mass.