Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 173, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1912 — PROSPECTS GOOD FOR HOSPITAL HERE. [ARTICLE]

PROSPECTS GOOD FOR HOSPITAL HERE.

Long-Felt Want of Commnnit) Hay'be Filled by Local Physician and Chicago Surgeon. A movement of no mean significance is now on foot to start an excellent and up-to-date hospital in Rensselaer. It may be said at the start that this is not an ahsolute certainty but the probabilities point very favorably toward this movement in view of the plans that have bepn thus ‘far developed and the negotiations that are pending. A good hospital here would fill a long-felt want, as the establishment of such has been the desire of the community in general for several years. Local physicians have talked on several occasions of starting' one here but as none seemed especially anxious to risk any money in the venture nothing has ever materialized. The last proposition of this kind to come before the public was talked of a year ago last May. Most all of the physicians in the city looked on it favorably and for some time it looked as though something might he done. As far as talk went- at that time public sentiment fayored municipal ownership of the hospital, which, for obvious reasons, would probably hever have been a success. This new movement, however, is a complete break-away from old lines, and is distinctly a private venture, private because one or two men are promoting it and developing plans on their own account and are going to finance it oht of their own pockets. The site they have in view is the new James T. Randle property south of the Presbyterion church. It was built purposefully for a hotel and rooming house, but With*a few alterations would make an ideal place for a hospital. It is a model of convenience and Is centrally situated. It has a hot water plant and if everything goes well the hospital will start with twelve beds. It is planned to equip this hospital thoroughly with surgical instruments and to leave nothing undone that might contribute to its success. A portion of the building will be set off and devoted to laboratory purposes. Nothing will be spared to .make this modern and convenient and a credit to the town in every respect Although under private management, the hospital will be open to all. Nobody will be barred. Any physician or person who desires may use the building and equipment, and may or may not require the services of those in charge. - A local doctor and a Chicago surgeon of much merit and wide experience, ar4 the men taking hold of this proposition and both are willing to invest their money in It These two men are now In communication with each other and it is not improbable that he will come, provided the hospital facilities are provided. If he i comes he will make Rensselaer his residence and take active management of the hospital. .It is anticipated, should they come to an agreement, that the hospital will be open for business about October Ist. By the latter part of August it will be made known positively what is to be done. In the meantime plans and arrangements will be under development. It is to be hoped that this project is carried out, as a great many people have expressed themselves wishing there was a hospital here. The majority of the people would rather stay here to be operated on, where they are among friends and relatives and the local and home surroundings are more pleasant and conductive to cheerfulness than those of a city. A hospital here at home would undoubtedly receive much outside patronage as many people of the surrounding counties would rather come here than go to Chicago if it were demonstrated that they could receive satisfactory treatment here. • »