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Dr. Walker transporting patients

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Letter to Dr. Walker from his car insurance carrier about transporting patients. --- August 2, 1926 Dr. R. J. Walker Saugatuck, Michigan Re: FA -AX-4199613 Dear Sir: We have just received a letter from the Home Office stating that they are willing to cover the additional liability of the patients riding in your automobile. They have quoted us a premium for this coverage which we believe I believe that we can cover this liability at the same premium at which the policy is issued at the present time. In the meantime you can rest assured that you are fully protected in regard to this particular additional hazard and just as soon as we have had a reply to our letter which we are writing today to the Home Office we will advise you the exact premium charge. Please accept this letter as authorization for you to have protection including liability on the liability for patients riding in your automobile. Yours very truly, T.S. Heines, Assistant Cashier
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2023.50.70

In the days before ambulance service, Dr. R. J. Walker, who served the Saugatuck area 1895 to 1943, carried a stretcher in his car for the transportation of patients. Concerned about liability, he cleared the practice with his insurance company in 1926 resulting in this letter sent to the Society by his grandson Bob Barr. Once when Ida Fursman was suffering from an undiagnosed illness Dr. Walker impatiently showed up at her house, told her to grab some clothes, and drove her to the University Hospital in Ann Arbor for tests. Although Dr. Walker began his practice calling on patients with a horse and buggy, which he found very reliable in even he worst conditions, he did make the transition to automobile.

SDHS NL InsertsHospitals, medical care and doctorsTransporation: automobile

Winthers, Sally

Digital data in CatalogIt

Walker, Dr. Robert J.1869-1944Fursman, Ida Luella (Morton) ?-1942

This information was OCR text scanned from SDHS newsletter supplements. Binders of original paper copies are in the SDHC reference library.

11/19/2023

11/19/2023