Dr. Rudolph asked what has happened to the County Medical Society Building, as he felt the desirable thing would be to have the medical library there.
Dr. Hugh Thompson replied that they already have a good start at the University and will have librarian service, and that for a medical society of this size to finance such a library would be quite a major procedure. The University is already subscribing to twenty or thirty periodicals.
Dr. Donald Lewis moved and Dr. Royal Rudolph seconded the motion that the Pima County Medical Society accept the report of the Library Committee, and that it be advised to continue the work which has already been begun.
Dr. Steen asked if the experience of the Dental Society Library which was started at the University were known, and Dr. Engle replied that this subject had not come into discussion.
Dr. Hayden asked it anyone had ever been at the Grunow Clinic Library, where they have an excellent setup and a full time medical librarian. This is supported by the men who are practicing there. Dr. Lewis' motion was carried.
The Blood Bank Committee reports, of which there were two, a majority and a minority report, were read by Dr. Fuller and Dr. Hugh Thompson respectively. Complete report is in file.
The majority report conclusions were:
1. That better blood banking service than is presently available might be provided for this community,
2. That blood banking is a medical service, and, as such, should be locally administered and controlled,
3. Having provided an initial subsidy to establish a blood bank for this community, the American Red Cross should relinquish its control so that the local bank may become self-supporting and of greater value to the local community an to Arizona.
The minority report concluded that:
"A careful study of the foregoing facts leads us to the conclusion that no drastic changes can be recommended without an exhaustive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems. This should include an estimate of the necessary cash outlay needed for equipment and supplies required in initiating a new organization. If there is any considerable opposition to the methods used at present, it is suggested that the Pima County Medical Society make recommendations to the American Red Cross for their correction or modifications."
Discussion:
Dr. Rudolph stated that many things were contained in these reports.
Dr. Hugh Thompson stated that this study had been stimulated by the fact that there is at times a shortage of blood available at the Red Cross Bank in Tucson.
Dr. Rudolph inquired if this were really true.
Dr. Fuller replied that he thought it tends to be true, and that he thought that such was the experience over the country as compared with the adequacies of independent banks.
Dr. Rudolph stated that he thought the majority report is definitely biased.
Dr. Hugh Thompson replied that it is biased because of the shortage of blood.
Dr. Fuller stated that letters had been sent to each hospital administrator asking for information on this particular point. One did not answer the letter, and the two who did answer stated that they had had no difficulty. (Dr. Heidgen did not answer.)
Dr. Rudolph stated that he had made al of inquiries and that there have been occasions when there has been a shortage, but that these are easily explained and would have happened anyway in a commercial bank. He said that out of one hundred donors 75 are O, 30 are A and 15 are B, 3 AB, and then out of 3% AB's if you want an Rh negative about 15% are negative and 85% positive. He thought it would be most unfortunate if the Medical Society should go on record with this without further study.
