Edmund F. Murphy, Sture Nelson Are Elected To Board Of Trustees

Incorporated in 1919, the Norwood Hospital, which now serves over 60 000 residents of Norwood and the surrounding towns, is observing its thirty years of progress and at a meeting of the Norwood Hospital Corporation held in the Plimpton Building last Thursday, figures released by the former administrator. Robert Brown, told of the service which the hospital has rendered to the community at large during the past year.

In addition to hearing the annual report, the corporation held its annual election of officers with Edmund F. Murphy and Sture Nelson named as members of the Board of Trustees. John R. Russell was re-elected as treasurer of the corporation and Mrs. Charles J Prescott was elected as clerk.

The Board of Trustees now is composed of the following Norwood members. A P. Allen, Hon. Frank G Allen, Herbert W Anderson. Daniel E. Callahan, John E. Folan, Mrs.. Herbert C. Fowfer, Dr. Joseph J Hagerty. Louis Oient, Mrs. H B. C. Riemer, Charles J Prescott. Jr., Charles J Prescott. Sr., John R. Russell. Miss. Maude A. Shattuck. Guido A. Sluntzner,

Walter F Tilton, R. Russel Williamson, Edmund F Murphy, Sture Nelson and Dr. Valmore A Pelletier. Four of the original incorporators are still members of the corporation They are the Hon Frank G Allen. R. Russel Williamson. John E. Folan and Walter F. Tilton.

The complete report of the Administrator for 1948 follows.

Tonight 1 am reporting to you the work of the Norwood Hospital for the year 1948 — this also completes thirty year’s service, the hospital being incorporated in 1919 — and tonight Mv Tilton. Mr. Allen, Mr. Williamson, and Mr. Foley, four of the eight original incorporators are still members of the corporation and are witnesses to the splendid achievements of. our hospital We owe a deep debt of 1 gratitude to these men who did the pioneer work and gave us the foundation of our hospital. On them demand were made for vision, faith, and courage —and from it we have inherited a hospital, one of the essentials of community life — and I know you here, Corporate Members, have the same faith and courage to continue this great humane work. The very small part I have taken in this work of yours has filled my days with satisfaction.

Today the Norwood Hospital has an established place in this community. A population of more than 60.000 individuals depends upon its wards, semi-private and private facilities for health care. It is interesting to note that from this area 5206 patients were admitted in 1948. against 5278 in 1947. 2032, or 39% of the »total, were from Norwood, Walpole was second with 1003, or 19.2%, Dedham changed positions with Canton and went into third place with 349, or 6 7%; Canton next with : 347, or 6.6%; Westwood 309 or 5.9%; Foxboro 217 or 4.1%; Sharon 182 or 3.5%, Medfield 30 or 9%.’ There were 737 or 14.1% from other than contributing towns. Sharon and Medfield were the only towns to show an increase of patients.

New Power Plant

“The campaign for funds for the Expansion Program was underway in November 1947, and a contract was awarded on December 17, 1947 to Vappi & Company of Cambridge for the New Power Plant to cost $191.000. This urgent first step in the program was compulsory according to notification! by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, the former building and equipment being dangerously inadequate, and a menance to the safety of patients and nurses. Ten months later, on October 21st, the valves were opened and the steam from the New Power Plant turned on. The first step was accomplished! — A step of tremendous importance for we know now that we are operating well within safety limits. The second floor of this building is to house the laundry which will be transferred from its present location as soon as sufficient funds are available to purchase the necessary equipment. As a note explanation — the campaign fell short of its goal, and since a great portion of the contributions were pledged, we have proceeded cautiously, purchasing equipment only as funds were available. Complete details of the Hospital Building Fund will be reported by the Treasurer.

Finances

“Although the financial atattchment is covered in the Treasurer’s Report, I would like to call attention to several items. Increases in salaries amount to $2,141.52, and Supplies and Expenses 524,866.64. The losses under Blue Cross and

other agencie« are as follows: Blue Cross
Courtesy >18,722.20
Blue Cross 10%
Deduction * … 9,472.71
Welfare & Veterans Administration . 2,660.81
Industria! Accidents 2,408.84
Total * . … $33,270.56

“Anticipating these additional expenses and to offset the losses incurred under Blue Cross and other agencies, an increase In rates became effective January 1st. 1948. I am happy to be able to report that our financial outlook is much better than It was at the close of 1947 — the operating deficit being S6.088.46 this year Last June, in estimating our deficit for 1949. as required by the Greater Boston Community Chest, consideration was given to the proposed forty hour week for nurses which means increased personnel and wages. When this plan Is adopted, to meet the financial situation It will be necessary to increase the hospital rates.

New Equipment

‘The Norwood Lions Club and the Walpole Rotary were the generous contributors of two very essential “life saving ” resuscitators. This equipment is usually listed in the emergency class and . until this year the hospital owned only one resuscitator. When it was ! learned that others were needed, these organizations responded to the emergency. The Norwood Eerie of Eagles presented a radio for use on the Sun Porch of the Men’s Ward The United Protestant Churches, from their Annual Thanksgiving Offering, presented another crib to the Children’s Ward, making a total of seven contributed from these offerings. In addition, the hospital purchased approximately $2353 in new equipment, and the following is needed, these organizations responded to the emergency. The Norwood Eerie of Eagles presented a radio for use on the Sun Porch of the Men’s Ward The United Protestant Churches, from their Annual Thanksgiving Offering, presented another crib to the Children’s Ward, making a total of seven contributed from these offerings. In addition, the hospital purchased approximately $2353 In new equipment, and the following is needed

Donors may secure, upon application to the Administrator information regarding cost.

  • 1 Toaster — Gas 6 Wheel Chairs
  • 1 Anesthesia Apparatus
  • 32 Overbed Tablet
  • 32 Floor Lamps
  • 24 Footstools
  • 24 Chairs for Convalescent Patients
  • 2 Oxygen Tank Carriers
  • 6 Pair Bed Sides — Adjustable
  • 1 Electric Sterilizer
  • 1 Steamer —Dietary Department
  • 1 Heavy Duty Hobart Mixer — Dietary Department
  • 24 Pair Drapes, Administration Building
  • 1 Castle Operating Room Light
  • 1 Oxygen Tent
  • 2 Refrigerators — Dietary
  • 1 Refrigerator — Laboratory
  • 1 Microfilm Reader Surgical Instruments — Operating Room

Women’s Aid

‘The Women’s Aid continues to be a source of great help and inspiration to us all. The work of these public-spirited women cannot be to highly praised and I wish to thus acknowledge their contribution to our work. The resignation of Mrs. Harold Alden, who has been Supply Chairman for ten years, is deeply regretted. Her work during these years, some being the most difficult in the history of the hospital, speak words of praise for her judgment both in the purchasing of supplies and In superintending the sewing and supply rooms. The details of the accomplishments of the Women’s Aid for the year appear in the report of Mrs. Louis Sieracki, President.

Corporate Membership

‘The By-Laws state that the Corporation shall be composed of persons, elected by the Board of Trustees, who pay dues of $25.00 annually and that such membership be known as voting membership.

I wish to emphasize the vital need for additional enrollment. Last year the income derived from Corporate Dues amounted to $4,075.00 and was used in reducing the Capital Loan. It Is through kindness and the will to do for others that our Corporate Members lend their guidance. I know that in the hospital community of over sixty- thousand, we have many who should be enrolled. It rests with each one pf us to see that they are invited to become members. It is a responsibility — let’s assume it.

Meinoriâin
“The hospital is a living memorial dedicated to the service of mankind. The death of Mr. Herbert M. Plimpton in June has been recorded, but imprinted upon the hospital records are living memorials — his devoted service, leadership and generosity. He was imbued with a desire to serve his fellow citizens. We shall always remember him for his honest and sincere guidance. The Plimpton Building and the Plimpton Fund are constant reminders of his devotion and of his unselfish desire to benefit others. It is with heartfelt appreciation that we pay this tribute.

“The hospital was shocked by the passing of Dr. George Klein who died in June. His death devoted service to our hospital and to our community. As a tribute to his memory the George Klein Memorial Fund was established, the income to be used in the anesthesia department of the hospital in which work Dr. Klein was so greatly interested. Memorial Funds were also established in the hospital in memory of John J. Fitzhenry of Walpole and the Rev. Walter C. Pierce of Sharon.

Library

‘Five years ago, the Trustees of the Morrill Memorial Library, established in the hospital a Branch Service, with some 175 books to be circulated. It is remarkable the extent to which this service has grown, for in 1948 we find that over 4600 books were circulated.1 an increase of 1100 over 1947 This circulation reached many readers heretofore not library patrons. It is reported, that this bedside service, has led to patients joining the Public Library after recovery The work, this year was made easier ‘ and more convenient, by use of, the new book truck presented oy j the Norwood Rotary Club to the I Library for use in the hospital. We congratulate Mrs. Esther Hallet who is in charge of this service, i as do we also her assistants. Mrs. Helen Fraser, Mrs. Louis Balboni and Mrs. Harold Alden To the Library Trustees, and Miss Edna Phillips. Librarian, we acknowledge our appreciation for this wonderful service.
Resignations

“Mrs. Charles S. Davenport bookkeeper, resigned her position in June after twenty-four years of service.
“Mrs. Charles Hooper, dietitian, resigned her position in June after twenty years of service.
“In April the resignation of Mr. Robert Brown, Administrator, was accepted to become effective upon the appointment of a successor.

Public Relations

“The establishment of a department of Public Relations Is for the purpose of spreading the knowledge of functions, plans and accomplishments of the hospital and to further a genuine feeling of good-will. Up to this time, we did not have a specific program to follow and the work in public relations was spasmodic. With the creation of this department, which has become my responsibility, effort will be made to acquaint the community with a greater realization of hospital benefits, the legitimate reasons for hospital construction. and to stimulate voluntary contributions and private endowments. To successfully carry out this program and to have full | public cooperation there must be good-will, for good-will is dependent upon understanding and understanding is dependent upon knowledge.

Conclusion

“This is my final report as Administrator As I look back over the past years. I consider my connection as Administrator of the Norwood Hospital one of the most thrilling experiences I have ever had. The splendid cooperation of the Trustees, the Officers and the members of the various committees has been most inspiring. To the employees, many of them old in terms of service, but contributing greatly in service and spirit, to the nurses, both graduate and student, who have made a contribution of inestimable value, to the Selectmen and other Town Officials, the Police and Firemen, to the Norwood Messenger- to the Garden Clubs of Norwood and Walpole and to all who have contributed in any way to the success of our Hospital I extend my deepest appreciation.

“I can wish my successor. Mr. Charles Richardson nothing finer than that he have the same help from them all that l have enjoyed —I am sure that he will have it.’