Part 16

Investigation usually shows gross exaggeration. In some instances specifications for the casket, shroud and shipping-box have been such that cheap material is provided. Due to this fact the contract price has been too low. The Director is willing to provide sufficient amount and desires that presentable casket and substantial shipping-box be furnished.

Investigation has also shown that record is not always kept that the remains have been inspected by a medical officer, before shipment.

(3) Poor food, especially weak coffee, and food cold when served. Investigation usually shows fares as a rule, are good, the complainant usually being tired of institutional menus.

(4) Cooks and other food handlers not examined for venereal diseases and carriers.

(5) Mixing colored and white patients in wards and dining rooms.

(6) Rough handling of patients by attendants. Reports are usually greatly exaggerated, or without foundation.

(7) Arrogance and overbearing on the part of Medical Officers towards the beneficiaries. Such charges have not been substantiated.

(8) Sputum of T. B. patients not examined routinely at stated intervals. Temperature of T. B. patients not taken.

(9) Rest periods not enforced.

(10) Insufficient bed clothing. Investigation has shown a few instances where blankets through long service are much worn and have lost their warming properties.

(11) Insufficient heating. In a few instances, it has been shown that T. B. patients have no warm place to dress and undress in, when taking open air treatment.

(12) Fire drills not held, and regulations not posted.

(13) Delay in making physical examination after admission of the patient to hospital.

(14) Beneficiaries claiming they were not informed of the provisions of General Order #27, U. S. Veterans’ Bureau, 1921, upon admission to a hospital.

(15) Bed linen not changed sufficiently often.

In general, the above list of complaints are rarely received from Governmental Institutions. When Inspectors have found unfavorable conditions effecting the welfare of the beneficiaries of the Bureau in Governmental Institutions, prompt remedial measures are usually instituted to correct the conditions by the Commanding Officer of the Hospital.”

File No. 89960

UNITED STATES VETERANS’ BUREAU. September 9, 1921.

GENERAL ORDER NO. 28

Subject: STANDARD OF REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSPITALS.

The following General Order is hereby promulgated, effective this date, for the guidance of all officers and employees of the United States Veterans’ Bureau:

Minimum requirements have been adopted for all institutions furnishing medical care and treatment for patients of the United States Veterans’ Bureau, including hospitals under contract, as follows:

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL HOSPITALS

1. The hospital should maintain a service whereby at least one resident physician is on duty at all times.

2. There should be an organized medical staff composed of men competent in their respective fields of medicine and actively meeting their responsibilities for the direction of the professional policies, for the medical work of the institution and also for the professional care of the patients in the hospital.

3. Provision for examination and treatment by dentists and specialists in eye, ear, nose and throat and genitourinary work.

4. Resident trained nurses—not less than 1 for each 10 or any part of 10 bed patients.

5. There should be facilities and personnel for the proper administration of dietetics.