Board of Directors Meeting, May 22, 1952, continued - 2
Dr. Schwartzmann was present to represent the Medical Advisory Board to the Pima County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, in connection with the request of the Executive Board of that organization that the Pima County Medical Society approve and endorse the location of a single diagnostic and treatment center for infantile paralysis for Tucson and the southern part of the State at St. Mary's Hospital. He said--"This was kind of a railroaded affair. There has apparently been considerable in the way of underground working to get a single center for diagnosis and treatment in this town on the basis of economics, saving money for treating these patients. The group agrees that if there were a saving on that basis we would favor a single treatment and diagnosis center, and beyond that we stopped. There was no place for four people who are engaged actively in this to pick one of the hospitals. I think that it should be left to the Lay Board to decide for themselves who they will pick. I think it should be on a basis of contacting both hospitals and see where they can save the most money. Apparently the Lay Board has requested George (Dixon) to request St. Mary's, and his letter states so. (Quotes from Dr. Dixon's letter). We still feel it should have the approval of the Pima County Medical Society, and should not be the designation of the Society. It is true that St. Mary's did not have a physiotherapy department. I feel each should be given a chance to present the values they can offer on a per diem basis. I think it is the local Chapter's place to decide the place. There are two or three other things which should be given consideration. (Here Dr. Schwartzmann read Dr. Dixon's letter of May 21, 1952)."
Dr. Rudolph inquired then if it was Dr. Schwartzmann's idea that the Board of Directors of the Pima County Medical Society should not designate the hospital, but turn it back to the local Board of the Pima County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
Dr. Schwartzmann replied that he thought it would put the local board on the spot; that Dr. Dixon is making the recommendation at the request of the Lay Board of the local policy group; that he did not know what was decided at the committee meeting recently, but felt there should be a chance for both places to bid on it; that the Medical Advisory Board does feel that money can be saved by a single place.
Dr. Cogswell asked why, since this is an economic matter, it should be thrown in the lap of the Medical Society.
Dr. Schwartzmann said that he, too, objected to this, pointing out that there may be trouble trying to collect money if it is said that patients can go to only one place.
Dr. Cogswell thought this a decision for the National Foundation to make, though he thought it a sound matter to investigate, as it runs into thousands of dollars.
Dr. Schwartzmann said that up to now there has been no comparison of present plans for caring for polio, but that he did know that Tucson Medical Center is trying now to set up a staff for caring for polio, and on that basis both places should be given an opportunity to present bids, and if there were a great discrepancy, then the Society's blessing could be given.
Dr. Beaton remarked that, even under such circumstances, it would still be a financial, not a professional, matter.
Dr. Farness moved that the Lay Board of the local Polio Foundation obtain bids from both hospitals and then decided which they would choose. (Motion withdrawn).
Dr. Beaton stated that he objected to the Society's entering into this; that he thought a letter should be written stating that this is not a matter for professional concern, but purely a financial matter which should be settled by the Lay Board, not by the Medical Society.
Dr. Steen moved that this problem be returned to the Polio Foundation for their decision, with the explanation that we are concerned with professional
