Possible closure of six free Shriners hospitals scares parents.
The system's board says it may ask the fraternity's membership in July for authority to close six hospitals -- including the one in Greenville -- largely because the endowment fund that supports the hospitals dropped from $8.5 billion to $5.2 billion over the last year as the stock market plummeted.
The others that could close are in Erie, Pennsylvania; Shreveport, Louisiana; Spokane, Washington; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Galveston, Texas. The Galveston hospital's operations have been suspended since Hurricane Ike flooded it last year
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH...ref=harpo_topstoriesSt. Jude hospital has turn some children away.
Cancermom, I don't have the words to express how sorry I am that you know of children who have passed away from cancer. As an employee of the organization, however, I openly admit that yes, the hospital has to turn some children away. It is unfortunate, but because the patients's treatment is given at NO COST and the family's expenses are COMPLETELY covered, there is absolutely no possible way to accommodate everyone. And that is false we don't admit the fact that the child's diagnosis has to be something the hosptial is studying (which is wide array of cancers and other catastophic illnesses) and that the child needs their doctor's referral. The referral can be received, though, after the family calls the freely given out 1-800 referral line and touch base with the hospital on their own. I would like to apologize on behalf of whomever said the hospital was "not interested" in taking your friend's child. I have never heard of anything except the highest quality patient and potential patient care and service. Also, I'm heartbroken to hear the young boy has since passed away and wish the hospital could accommodate any and every child, but I hope you understand in some way that is just not feasible. Maybe you can take some solace knowing thousands of children from around the world and right in your back yard have been saved by the treatment given and research/protocols developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a place of HOPE.
http://www.charitynavigator.or....comments&orgid=5234