Over the past 86 years, Shriners Hospitals for Children has provided the best, most advanced medical care, at absolutely no charge, to more than 865,000 children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. This unique health system has grown from a single hospital in Shreveport, La., to 22 sophisticated pediatric specialty hospitals located across the U.S., and in Canada and Mexico.
2008 Budget
Shriners Hospitals' total budget for 2008 is $826 million, of which
$722 million is targeted for operating expenses (including $44 million
for research). The budget also includes $104 million for buildings and
equipment, which includes funds for building renovations, new
construction, and improving and upgrading medical technologies, such as
digital radiology and electronic medical records.
Shriners Hospitals for Children Facts
In 2007, Shriners Hospitals approved 39,454 new patient applications, cared for 125,125 patients and provided the following services:
- 226,455 radiology procedures
- 302,614 outpatient, outreach and telemedicine visits
- 72,159 orthotic and prosthetic devices
- 25,028 operations
- 422,325 physical therapy treatments
- 200,810 occupational therapy treatments
Orthopaedic Care
The 18 Shriners Hospitals specializing in orthopaedic conditions are committed to providing specialized medical and rehabilitative services to children with congenital deformities and conditions, orthopaedic injuries, and diseases of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Some of the most commonly treated disorders include clubfoot, limb deficiencies and discrepancies, scoliosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and the orthopaedic problems related to spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
Burn Care
The Shriners Hospitals specializing in treating burns, located in Galveston, Boston, Cincinnati and Sacramento, are known worldwide as leaders in burn research and treatment. These hospitals provide a full range of care, including physical rehabilitation and psychological support services for patients with burn injuries and related complications, including scarring and smoke inhalation.
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Shriners Hospitals established the first spinal cord injury rehabilitation program for children. These programs, at the Chicago, Northern California and Philadelphia hospitals, are among the few in the United States specifically designed to treat children and teenagers with spinal cord injuries.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
In 2005, cleft lip and palate was added to Shriners Hospitals' official care disciplines. This comprehensive program involves lip and palate repair, nasal reconstruction, jaw surgery, dental procedures and audiological, speech and psychological services. The program is offered at the Chicago, Galveston and Sacramento Shriners Hospitals.