A Minimum Standard for X-ray Service in a Hospital

Abstract

FIRST, I beg to call to your attention the fact that at this meeting last year I was privileged to address you on the “Fundamental Requirements of an Efficient X-ray Service in Hospitals.” At that time, feeling that we were discussing minimum requirements, I tried to put into as concrete form as possible a statement of the minimum equipment, space, organization, personnel, and recording service, together with a discussion on the interpretation of findings. It did not seem possible then, nor does it now, to attempt an ironclad itemizing of the various articles of equipment, for these will vary within certain limits according to the size of the hospital and the activity of the outpatient department. We have observed some very interesting conditions. For example, there are instances where a bequest has been given to a small hospital with the specification that it be expended on the X-ray department, with the result that the X-ray service possesses instruments altogether beyond the needs of the hospital or of...