The Hospital Door Slams Shut

Editor Tacoma Times: Dear Sir—A matter of discrimination in regard to a public institution has made itself so apparent recently that it would be deemed by myself and the other osteopathic physicians of the city a courtesy if you would print the following: An elderly lady has been under my care for several weeks undergoing treatment for a dislocated hip and rheumatism. She has been living with her son and his wife, but decided she would rather go to a hospital and receive proper attention while regaining health. She notified St. Joseph's hospital of her intention, and said that she would have me as her attending physician. The hospital authorities promptly refused to allow me admittance, giving no reason whatever. Later, I telephoned the hospital and received the curt information that osteopaths would not be allowed within the hospital. This order came from the sister superior. I notified my colleagues and they told me that Father Hylebos of the Catholic church had told them that there would be no discrimination as to attending physicians at the hospital. The sisters, however, stated that Father Hylebos had no authority whatever. Meanwhile my patient is at the home of her son, having refused to be taken to any other hospital than St. Joseph's. She also refused to go there unless I could attend her. Knowing that the St. Joseph's is a public hospital and pays no taxes, it appears that free admittance should be given to physicians of any class, or county taxation should be instituted. — C. G. Rust.