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Rumor Mill separates fact from fiction

Charleston Memorial Hospital
Rumor: I have heard that the older part of CMH will be torn down by the end of next year. Why is all the renovation...ie..high pressure cleaning, expanding the long term care facilities, and upgrading equipment being done?
Truth: The rumor about the demolition of Charleston Memorial Hospital is not accurate. No part of Charleston Memorial will be demolished until the completion of phase one of the hospital replacement which is scheduled to occur in early 2007. The old McClennan- Banks Hospital which has been vacant for years will be demolished within the next 12 months. 

University Transportation
Rumor: The rumor is that the University Transport system will be out bid by CARTA for the bus service at MUSC this year. Is that true? CARTA could only survive by a supplemental tax of one half a percent on sales in the city. How can they be considered a reliable contender for such an important service to MUSC employees and students? 
Truth: The university has been talking with CARTA for some months about the pros and cons of out-sourcing the university's bus service. Trying to be good stewards of university resources, it is not unusual to have such out-sourcing discussions. However, there are many factors to evaluate and consider in any such notion. No decision has yet been made. We are well aware of the sales tax litigation. And we would not enter into a relationship unless CARTA can demonstrate long-term viability. Also essential to any such relationship would be assurance of improved services to university staff and faculty as well as every appropriate employment consideration being given to our current loyal transportation employees. 

Update Rumors
Rumor: How come no one updates the rumors, so you can see if anyone has responded to your rumor.
Truth: The purpose of the Rumor Mill is to provide facts in response to submitted rumors that meet the  ground rules. Increasingly it has been receiving specific questions (like the one above) as well as suggestions and observations. The mill is not set up to respond to such inquiries, but does routinely pass them along to the appropriate authorities who will generally respond back directly to the originator if they give their name. The mill also does not respond to any inquiry that does not meet the specified ground rules. 

PTO and TENTOK Time
Rumor: About a year ago, there was rumor of allowing employees a little tentok time every couple of years for doctor's appointments or an occasional sick day without using PTO. Has this ever been approved or is it in the works or was the proposal dropped?
Truth: The tentok (http://www.musc.edu/catalyst/archive/2000/co5-5plan.htm) proposal was dropped. When the PTO policy was designed several years ago, five days of incidental sick leave for routine physical and dental appointment, etc. were assumed as part of the PTO use. Currently, other incentive ideas are under consideration. 

MUHA Pay Questions
Rumor: Recently the Rumor Mill has received several very specific inquiries from individuals about aspects of their pay.
Truth: The Rumor Mill is not set up to answer such questions. Any Medical Center employee with questions about his or her compensation and/or the appropriateness of the application of the compensation plan and retirement plan policies is encouraged contact Susan Carullo at 792-1684 or e-mail carullos@musc.edu or Janet Browning at 792-1208 or e-mail browninj@musc.edu.

Reproduced from http://www.musc.edu/rumor/
 

Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.