University of Virginia Library

REPORT OF MEDICAL COMMITTEE

Dr. Emmett stated that the Auditor's Report showed three things. (1) that the University
Hospital operates less economically than the Medical College Hospital, (2) that occupancy has
dropped, and (3) that collections of patients' accounts have decreased. Dr. Emmett stated that he
believes that part of the high operating cost is due to the old sprawling buildings which are much
more expensive to operate and maintain than a modern hospital like the Medical College.

Prior to his departure, Dr. Ackart had worked out a plan to reconstruct wards which
would make possible a shift in certain classes of patients, which it was hoped would result in a
higher occupancy rate. In the matter of collections, it was Dr. Emmett's belief that Dr. Ackart
was more sympathetic with the teaching program of the hospital than with the problems of fiscal
control. However, procedures to improve collections have been instituted and there has already
been an upturn in collections.

Dr. Emmett stated that he had discussed the problems of hospital management with a
number of the doctors, some of whom are quite interested and anxious to help in holding costs
down, others were quite indifferent.

The Medical Committee proposes to meet every sixty days and would like a progress report
from the hospital prepared for each of its meetings.

Mrs. Smith said she had two recommendations, (1) that we try to secure an efficient
administrator for the hospital, and (2) ask the Legislature for funds to modernize the hospital.

The new Dean, Dr. Hunter, does not believe we should aspire to build a tremendous hospital.
He emphasized that we should attempt to improve the quality rather than the size of the
institution.

Dr. Emmett said that he thought that a good bit could be accomplished by representatives
of the two medical centers appearing before the Virginia Academy of Medicine and asking the doctors
of the State to cooperate in indigent care problems of the two hospitals.

The President stated that he had met with Dr. Sanger, President of the Medical College,
last week. A plan is being formulated to try, with the help of the Legislature, to get the localities
to pay the State hospitals the actual per diem cost for all indigents.