SURGICAL NFWS
June 1971
The 750 operative cases that were carried out for this 30 day month o^ J trie agair. was a
record number. This is due, in some measure, to the number of out-patient procedures. Seventy-
eight (78) out-patient procedures were done from March through May, 46 of which were therapeutic
abortions. With the fixed hed situation as it is, the increased number of cases are also due
to the excellent job done by Dr. Deatcn and the Utilization Review Committee. Dr. Spencer has
h&en our surgical representative. So, through the improved utilization of beds and the increase
in the out-patient cases, we are still seeing a rise in the number of cases done every month.
This would not have been possible had it not been due to the sincere dedication of Miss Caudle
and of the work .of the Operating Room personnel. She has made order out of chaos and has been
able to carry out reasonable functions when often unreasonable demands are made. By and larpe,
the physician co-operation has been excellent and this is deeply appreciated. We have budgeted
for S?> employees in the Operating Room for the next year. If the numhar of cases continues tc
rise, '<iss Caudle and the Operating Room Committee are already making plans for sdding additional
shifts and so 'orth.
A letter was sent out to the .Surgical Section Heads on June 23f 1971, concerning the use o^
assistants since there have been a few requests to restudy our position. Two years ago I asked
for and received from each service a list of procedures in which assistants would be required
and these were included in the Staff Manual. The same thing is being asked at this time. Each
Head is to have a sectional meeting and is to decide if they should use the word "required" or
should this be left up to the discretion of the surgeon. Guidelines still would be submitted as
to the procedures that an assistant is most often desirable. These recommendations will be submitted to the Operating Room Committee and then to the attending surgeons for a final decision.
A report in writing is expected within 3D days. Foremost, we want what is medically best for
the patient. At the same time, we don't want to he hampered by unnecessary rules and regulations.
On May 24, 1971, the feasibility o*7 clinics at Moses Cone Hospital was presented for the
first time to the full staff and, as many of you know, r\ definite decision was net made that
night, A committee has been formed which consists of a representative from each major service
to make a decision regarding this facility to the Medical Board meeting. This committee will
SURGICAL NFWS
June 1971
The 750 operative cases that were carried out for this 30 day month o^ J trie agair. was a
record number. This is due, in some measure, to the number of out-patient procedures. Seventy-
eight (78) out-patient procedures were done from March through May, 46 of which were therapeutic
abortions. With the fixed hed situation as it is, the increased number of cases are also due
to the excellent job done by Dr. Deatcn and the Utilization Review Committee. Dr. Spencer has
h&en our surgical representative. So, through the improved utilization of beds and the increase
in the out-patient cases, we are still seeing a rise in the number of cases done every month.
This would not have been possible had it not been due to the sincere dedication of Miss Caudle
and of the work .of the Operating Room personnel. She has made order out of chaos and has been
able to carry out reasonable functions when often unreasonable demands are made. By and larpe,
the physician co-operation has been excellent and this is deeply appreciated. We have budgeted
for S?> employees in the Operating Room for the next year. If the numhar of cases continues tc
rise, '
