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The Origin And Growth Of The Sanatorium Treatment Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Massachusetts

From: Tuberculosis In Massachusetts -- Hospital For Consumptives
Creator: Vincent Y. Bowditch (author)
Date: 1908
Publisher: Wright & Potter, Boston
Source: Columbia University Libraries
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2  Figure 3  Figure 4  Figure 5  Figure 6  Figure 7  Figure 8

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The method of treatment is such as is used in all similar institutions, with the inevitable differences of detail that must exist in different institutions. Special stress is laid upon hydro-therapy by Dr. Millet, who also advocates the use of as little medicine as possible. The Matron is a graduate nurse, and her assistants are members of the Training School in hydro-therapy, massage, practical and tuberculosis nursing, connected with the Sanatorium. Dr. Millet is the Physician-in-Charge, and makes daily visits to the Sanatorium. The institution is not a charitable one, although especially moderate charges are made to people of limited means.

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Patients with incipient or moderately advanced disease are received; but it is not intended for far-advanced and hopeless cases.

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The charges vary from $15 to $35 a week, according to size and location of the room or "shack." "Shacks" are from $25 to $35 a week, and rooms from $15 to $35. In the two wards, one for men and one for women, with five beds each, the price is $10 a week. This reduction in price is allowed in worthy cases after fullest investigation. The institution is not endowed. The cost per patient is, on an average, $15 per week.

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Results, as stated by Dr. Millet, are: "About 33 1/3 per cent, of 'cures,' many advanced cases having been admitted."

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OTHER PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS IN MASSACHUSETTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CONSUMPTIVES.

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The above-mentioned sanatoria are the largest in the State; but there are several small establishments, notably in the town of Rutland, under the charge of Dr. David P. Butler and Dr. George E. Derrick, who have had much experience in the treatment of tubercular disease. These establishments for the most part partake of the nature of boarding-houses. In some cases they are cared for by former patients of the Rutland Sanatorium, but are under the supervision of the above-mentioned physicians, who make weekly visits, the cost of which is included in the price of board. They help to fill a great need in our communities, for the care of the more advanced types of the disease. Numerous boarding-houses which receive cases refused by the State Sanatorium exist in the town of Rutland; but they have no official connection with any physician or with the Sanatorium.

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An excellent small sanatorium for well-to-do patients was established at "Springside," Pittsfield, Mass., about two years ago, by Miss Mary E. Sullivan, who for eight years was head nurse in the men's ward at the State Sanatorium. A special staff of the best-known physicians of Pittsfield is connected with this establishment, but their services when wanted are not included in the price of board.

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Of the great need of sanatoria, in the strict sense of the term, there can be no doubt in the minds of those who look carefully into the subject. The experience of those in charge of the Sharon Sanatorium alone would prove this. The number of applications there far exceeds the capacity of the institution, and many cases who would be greatly benefited by treatment are turned away from lack of room.

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At the same time, the limitations of sanatorium treatment must be kept in mind. Those who have had the greatest experience know that it is only one of many methods to be employed in the attempt to check the enormous mortality from tuberculosis. Hospitals for the far-advanced cases, dispensaries, day and night camps, instruction and care in the homes, in fact, every method known to science must be brought to bear, and only by cordial and vigorous co-operation among the component parts can we expect to accomplish the desired result.

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