“SHC-Galveston North,”

September 23, 2008

More than 170 employees of Shriners Hospitals for Children — Galveston attended a meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in LaMarque, Texas on Sept. 20, where they received tetanus shots, payroll information and hospital updates.

Galveston Shriners Hospital Administrator John Swartwout reassured employees that the hospital, which has a foot of water in its first floor, was being repaired and would open again as soon as possible.

Some staff members from the Galveston hospital are now temporarily reporting for duty to the Houston Shriners Hospital. A sign taped on the board room of the Houston Shriners Hospital now reads “SHC-Galveston North,” as both hospitals share office and medical space while the Galveston hospital is being repaired.

Damage to the Houston hospital was minimal and the hospital is now back to full operations, and at least three patients from the Galveston hospital have been admitted to the Shriners Hospital in Houston.

Getting back to normal has been difficult for both cities, but Shriners Hospitals leadership is working with all employees to ensure they get the assistance they need during this time.