To the editor:

The Lawrence Journal-World has been performing a tremendous public service in its editorials exposing the potential chaotic situation in processes involving the KU School of Medicine and the KU Hospital.

It seems that Barbara Atkinson, the executive vice chancellor, is in the process of entering into contracts that would commit her medical school to relationships with St. Luke’s and its five hospitals in the Kansas City area. KU Medical Center would supply physicians and interns to St. Luke’s on a long-term basis as negotiated by Ms. Atkinson. KU Hospital would like for KU Medical Center to supply its medical staff, but it seems that it will be in a bidding war with St. Luke’s for this medical staff.

The most mysterious aspect of this affair is the apparent ease with which Ms. Atkinson has been able to enter into negotiations to commit the KU medical school on her own. What is the Kansas Board of Regents’ position in this matter? Dick Bond, a member of the regents, claimed no knowledge of this affair. He also said, “We don’t get involved in such matters.”

Well who else, other than the Journal-World, is paying attention to this very important situation? The hospital and the medical school should behave as the “sisters” they are, with common interests and university ties.

This newspaper has acted in the best traditions of the newspaper industry. Now it is time for the Kansas Legislature to establish a clear organizational chart that would eliminate the questions such as “Who is in charge?” and “Can she really do that?”

Richard M. Hassur,

Lawrence