SURGEON SPRAGUE: spoke on the value of occupational therapy. He told how after the introduction of occupational therapy in his hospital in New York boys who had been very troublesome before became deeply interested in the work and the wards became as quiet as any other wards. He wished to express himself as most heartily in favor of occupational therapy.
Another discussion on this subject followed. It was stated that there is no question as to the direct therapeutic value of occupational therapy. The disciplinary value is its greatest value. Very often, too, there will be found a boy who has real talent.
SURGEON PAYNE: stated that in his opinion a simpler method of reporting should be adopted, that the system of bookkeeping is perfectly idiotic and that nobody knows just what is meant. He said there was a great deal of sentiment against the Government having any interest in what the man makes, and that in many cases the men buy their own material. He cited the case of a man in his hospital who makes all kinds of toys out of tin cans and has worked up quite a trade. Public sentiment is all on that man’s side.
COL. BRATTON: with regard to paying transportation for men discharged for disciplinary reasons, made the following motion, which was carried;
MOTION
That the Director of the Veterans’ Bureau be requested to secure legislation so that the expenses of the patient’s transportation to his bona fide home, when he has been discharged for disciplinary reasons, be deducted from his compensation, when compensation is being given, or may be given thereafter.
DR. KLAUTZ: said it was his opinion that it was better to put a man right on the train and send him home.
CAPT. BLACKWOOD: “In view of the remarks made at this meeting yesterday in regard to the nurses, and in view of the fact that Congress is contemplating the question of pay for the services, I would like to present this resolution:”
RESOLUTION
Be it resolved that it is the sense of this meeting that the pay of the nurses of all branches of the Government service is far below what it should be and therefore is a detriment to the entrance to or continuance in those services of the better type of nurses, and that it be urged upon Congress by the Federal Board of Hospitalization that legislation be enacted to remedy this condition.