ntcucom dukd univcusitij mc6icM ccntaR VOLUME 23, NUMBER 17% APRIL 30, 1975 DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA Public Hearing Due On Drug Connection Duke administration officials remained quiet today on the possibility that a major drug ring has been uncovered within the walls of the hospital. The investigation, which has been going on for some time now, is to culminate in a public hearing tonight in East Durham. The site of this hearing is to be the old and respected establishment. The Baby Grand, located on 911 Ramseur St. The proceedings are to begin at 7:45, but since large crowds are expected it is advised that interested parties should plan to arrive early and car pool. Names will be changed to protect the innocent but a complete and impartial disclosure has been promised. From what the Intercom has been able to piece together, a federal agent was called in to engage in a "search and destroy" mission. The pediatric's play room, at one time suspect because of all the "freaked out" paintings, has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Dr. Shirley Osterhout, our poison control expert, is working hand in hand with the authorities but husband Syd has assured us that he is not jealous. The results of this affair are said to hold many surprises. All departments are Involved to some extent and informers have promised to "sing" if given the chance. €>■ Bflsy WHAT IS THIS MAN DOING?—Th\s undercover agent is completing an investigation expected to prove damaging at the meeting to be held at 911 Ramseur St. this Wednesday evening. (Photo courtesy of Jay Anderson) Terry Sanford: We Can Balance Budget LOCATION OF HEARING — The Baby Grand, the location of tonight's hearing, is located in East Durham. It is approximately two blocks east of the old Sears and Roebuck's bidg., at 911 Ramseur St. It is anticipated that parking will be a problem so carpooling is strongly advised. In a recent open letter to the Duke University community. University Presi dent Terry Sanford announced plans to solve the University's financial crisis for the next several years. In response to the adverse reaction generated by previous budget cuts and elimination of University programs, Sanford stated that the new policy will be to only eliminate programs operating at a significant deficit. President Sanford reported that by advancing the date of an already planned program cut from 1978 to this summer, fifteen million dollars will be saved during the remainder of 1975 alone. This savings will eliminate the budget deficit for several years to come. The program to be cut, is the poorly run patient care enterprise located in Duke Hospital. A new hospital is scheduled to be constructed by 1978 at which time it had been planned to phase out the old facility. As this new hospital will be constructed so as to eliminate clinics and public wards, in addition to having expanded laboratory facilities, it is certain to turn a handsome profit. Simply by moving the date for closing the old hospital up three years ahead of opening the new hospital, great savings will be obtained. Furthermore, many of the old hospital's facilities, once freed from the burden of patient care, can be put to profitable use. A major portion of the old hospital is row upon row of small rooms with one or two beds each. Sanford was particularly pleased to outline his personal plan to turn these areas into a Duke campus branch of the southeast's most booming business. The Mr. Duke's Massage will be located in the red zone for easy identifi cation. Pending anticipated changes in the Durham County blue laws, plans are also being laid out for the production of Swedish style drama to be viewed from the operating suite observation rooms. Anticipating the usual highly vocal opposition to change from patients and workers. President Sanford explained how many difficulties arising from closing the hospital will be avoided. Much of the hospital's staff, being young and female, will probably welcome the opportunity for higher paying employment, as will be offered by Mr. Duke's. This will balance the effect of those who will no longer be needed. Also, as most patients are trans ferred to Duke from community hospitals, difficulty can be avoided by refusing all transfers after April. This will avoid the logistic problem of having to move some seven hundred patients and their belong ings onto Erwin Road. President Sanford concluded by saying that in 1978 with the opening of the new Duke Hospital, Duke will again assume its place as a leader in medical education and research. And, clinic may be held on alternate Wednesday afternoons.