Shriners Hospitals for Children–Los Angeles Approved to Build a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles (SHC-LA) does not have a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Consequently, a local children’s hospital has been utilized for planned and un-planned patient cases requiring a higher level of care.

Unfortunately, we have recently been informed that we will no longer be able to transfer our patients to this local children’s hospital as they have exceeded 100% of their capacity for inpatient care. This has severely impacted our ability to reduce our current backlog of over 500 surgical cases - some of which will require this PICU support. SHC-LA surgeons have also expressed concern for being able to maintain their surgical proficiency at a non-PICU capable hospital.

Due to these issues, the hospital has received approval to build a four bed PICU at SHC-LA from our Corporate Headquarters. The targeted opening date of this new unit is scheduled for the spring of 2009.

Construction of a PICU will allow SHC-LA to continue to provide services to patients
requiring a higher level of post-surgical care while maintaining superior patient safety.

This is in perfect alignment with the Shriners Hospitals for Children vision, mission and strategic plan. A SHC-LA PICU will also assist with the retention and recruitment of skillful pediatric orthopaedic surgeons along with the enhancement of present and future capabilities of the hospital. It will allow us to increase the number of complex surgeries performed at SHC-LA without the use of expensive transfers to other pediatric hospitals.

Two of the hospital’s multi-bed patient rooms and an isolation room are planned to be
renovated into the four bed PICU. The types of cases that will benefit from this onsite PICU care include: spinal fusion surgeries, toe-to-hand transfers and other cases with complications that require intensive monitoring. SHC-LA performs 70 spinal operations per year. Because our post-operative capabilities are limited, our spinal surgeons perform about 12 of these cases at outside pediatric facilities. We also send out approximately four cases per year with postoperative difficulties that we cannot currently manage in-house. In addition, we have been forced to deny care to some children who will need post-operative care because we are unable to provide the sophisticated medical management that is needed.

The cost savings of bringing these surgeries in-house will be substantial. The cost to
SHC-LA to treat a PICU patient at an outside pediatric facility is over $7,000 per day. On average, this resulted in total charges of over $210,000 per patient! A PICU at SHC-LA would cost only $4,600 per day resulting in a savings to the hospital of over $330,000 annually.
The unit will be built according to the State of California Department of Health Services and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) standards specifications and requirements.
It will be supported by pediatric intensive care trained nurses, respiratory therapists
and intensivist physicians. This specially trained team will provide the care and oversight for the patients of the PICU 24 hours a day. The expected length of stay for these patients in intensive care is anticipated to be between two to three days.

Based on approval by local and State of California agencies, the first steps in this process will be to proceed with design and construction bids, apply for permits and then begin construction and other renovation tasks. Equipment will then need to be purchased and installed.

If you are interested in learning how to support SHC-LA in its efforts to raise funds for this much needed service, please contact Jon Dellaria at (213) 368-3394.

Nor-Cal Shrine Screening Clinic

The Nor-Cal Shrine Club will be conduction a Children's Screening Clinic 9am to 1pm Saturday March 7th at the Shasta Health Center 1053 Placer St. in Redding,Ca.

The Clinic is to identify children who can benefit from the expert orthopedic, Spinal cord & burn care provided by Shriners Hospital for Children

New Shrine Traveling Display for West Region

This is the unit that will be heading to WSA in San Jose this May. Be sure to stop by and take a look at the new trailer when you are at WSA. It will heading to Sacramento after the Parade. Check the links for the D'elagence
It is in Colorado now at the IHOP for National Pancake Day and will be traveling to several schools in the State.

RV's & Motorcycles Roadside program on Shrine Savers

Dear Noble,

After an overwhelming response from fellow Brothers about whether the ShrineSavers Roadside Assistance Program is available for motorcycles and motor homes, I decided to resend the newsletter with the answers to those questions.

I am glad to announce that motorcycles are included in our basic roadside program. This program is for all light duty vehicles >10,000 lbs GVW and could be a great program for all those in your Motor Corps Unit.

For you RVers, we just launched a RV Roadside Assistance Program for all vehicles up to DOT class 8 or >80,000 lbs GVW. Take a look and see how it compares with your current coverage. I think you will find it very comparable and very affordable.

Remember that both coverages are offered in the US and Canada alike. Please pass this along to any Brother that you feel could use this or any other benefit offered through your ShrineSavers program.


Fraternally,

Larry Mann
Director of Operations

Shriners Hospitals for Children Advance the Science of Burn Care

In order to provide the best, most up-to-date, innovative treatment to patients with burns and burn related injuries, Shriners Hospitals for Children has a strong commitment to conducting medical research related to burn injuries and burn care.
Currently, Shriners Hospitals for Children is funding approximately 60 research studies involving different aspects of burn injury and treatment.

The health care system is also involved in many additional externally funded burn-related research efforts as well, bringing the total number of research efforts in this field to approximately 200. Researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children are responsible and recognized for advances in burn care that significantly improve the lives of those with severe burns.

Specific examples of these advances include the invention of cultured skin substitute, which is a major improvement in coverage of large burns.
Additional advances in wound healing include proving that prompt surgical removal of burned tissue increases a patient’s potential for survival, improves long-term function and decreases the need for reconstructive surgeries.
Advances in fluid resuscitation include the creation of a formula based on body surface area and body weight, which is more appropriate for pediatric patients and is now used worldwide.
Usage of this formula has decreased the mortality rate from kidney failure among children with severe burn injuries from 100 percent to 56 percent.Shriners Hospitals for Children’s research studies brought about the understanding that inhalation injury causes fluid to build up in the lungs, and that additional fluid resuscitation actually reduces this buildup, which has led to a new worldwide standard of care for fluid resuscitation in pediatric burn patients.

In addition, Shriners Hospitals for Children’s researchers have contributed to increased understanding of hypermetabolism and the nutrient requirements of patients with burn injuries.
The effects of burn injuries may last a lifetime, and researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children are dedicated to improving long-term outcomes for patients with burn injuries, especially in the areas of scar development, rehabilitation and psychological adjustment. For example, the use of pressure garments helps minimize scarring, and the creation and implementation of a 12-week exercise program decreases the need for reconstructive surgery, improves quality of life, and eases return to the
home community.
Researchers at Shriners Hospitals for Children share their expertise through academic affiliations at noteworthy nearby institutions and by providing opportunities for post-doctoral researchers.
The emphasis on research and education is proof of Shriners Hospitals for Children’s’ total commitment to determining, as well as providing, the best care for children with burn injuries.
The Shriners Hospitals for Children health care system depends on donations to fund all its programs, including research. For information on ways you can support this effort, please visit www.donate2SHC.org or www.shrinershospitals.org

Bonnie St. John: Letting Go of DeFeet

author of LIVE YOUR JOY, Olympic Ski Medalist, amputee, Rhodes Scholar, and all-around inspiration!

Bonnie St. John: Letting Go of DeFeet

There were hardly any kids at the Shriners Hospital today… The administrative assistant I contacted had tried to discourage me from coming because the hospital would be so empty. But I went anyway, because I was in town. I wore my Olympic medals and brought souvenir postcards to sign for the patients who were there. So I visited a few kids and talked. Then we met this little girl with her mother in the hallway. Neither spoke English. Through the translator I shared the story of my amputated leg and being at Shriners for my surgeries when I was a kid. Then the girl lifted up her pants leg to show her foot was five inches off the ground with a brace like mine was. It turns out she had the same problem, but refused to let them cut her foot off. We talked a bit more.
Then I visited some other kids.
I saw her again and asked “is getting a leg like mine an option?” She shook her head quickly as if to say “no way”
“Do you have any questions about it?” I asked through the interpreter.
She shook her head faster. I wasn’t getting through at all.
So I put down my purse, took off my high heels, adjusted my ankle to flat and ran across the room and back as fast as I could. Then I took out my jump rope and jumped. I didn’t see her face while I was running, but they told me they saw the light in her eyes go on! A man who had seen her when she first came in–shy and withdrawn–started crying. Words didn’t get through to her, but action speaks louder than words. If she was the only kid in the hospital that day, I think it was worth going.

When I spoke at a church later that day I told the story of the little girl…and I said, “Here she is in the middle of free, state of the art medical care turning down the treatment she needs–and a powerful new leg–because she wants to keep a foot that doesn’t work!”
“How often are we like that with God? God has everything prepared for us but we are like a small child from a foreign country who doesn’t understand the big picture. What is the foot you are holding onto in your life that is blocking your blessings? Is it a job you need to move on from? Is it a relationship that you need to let go of? A degree you are afraid to get? What are you holding onto?”

Anacondan on hospital board of governors

By The Montana Standard Staff

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON (February 18, 2009) n E.G. Leipheimer IV of Anaconda, Montana has been appointed to the Board of Governors for Shriners Hospitals for Children-Spokane. Mr. Leipheimer, owner of Discovery Buick & GMC Trucks in Anaconda, is a long time member of the Bagdad Shrine Center in Butte, Montana. He began is three year term in January 2009.

The Board of Governors at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Spokane is responsible for the oversight of the hospital operations and is performed on a volunteer basis. The board meets monthly in Spokane and is comprised of members from supporting Shrine centers from Washington, Montana, Idaho and Canada.

Could Your Home Team Do this?

Baseball Teams Up With Shriners Children's Hospital for 2009 Season (2/17/2009)

The LSUS Baseball program has teamed up with the Shriners Children’s Hospital for the 2009 season in an effort to raise money for a charitable cause.

During each home game at Pilot Field, fans have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets in a 50-50 split-pot promotion with half of the money going to charity and the other half to the winner of the raffle.

Last weekend during the William Carey Series, LSUS welcomed Bo Boyd to Pilot Field for the ceremonial first pitch in Saturday’s doubleheader. Boyd, who has cerebral palsy, is an avid Pilots fan and was the Shriners Hospital “Volunteer of the Year” for 2008.

So far this season, the team has collected over $250 for the hospital through seven home games.

Raffle tickets can be purchased through the first four innings, with the split-pot winner being announced in the bottom of the fifth inning. Tickets are $1 for one ticket and $5 for ten tickets.

Don’t miss your chance to come out and support the LSUS baseball team, as well as help raise money for a good cause.

Photos from Yuma Parade & outing.

Apple Valley Shrine Club joined El Zaribah & Zelza Shrine in the Silver Spurs Radeo
Parade in Yuma Az..

Along for the weekend were 13 RV'S from AL Malaikah Shrine R.V. Club & 16
from Apple Valley Shrine Club plus two members from the Foothill Shrine Club in Yuma that got together for Camping breakfast and dinner at the fire grounds campsite.

We attended the Rodeo, saw the Golden Knights Skydiving Team from the U.S. Army jump from3000ft & land in the arena.

The R.V. Club had a bread baking contest,to see how many knew theyhad an oven in their motorhomes. There sure was a lot of smoke coming out of the Rigs.

We went on the Territorial Prison at the Yuma Prison. Some went to Algodonas, Mex.they had some good margaretas. Several went shopping at the Arizona Market Place Flea Market that had over 1200 vendors.

We served a full breakfast for 28 people Friday and Barbeque Saturday.
Apple alley Shrine Club was proud to represent AL MALAIKAH in the parade.

D. BUNKER

Whiskey Flats '09- Hillbilly Clan69

Whiskey Flats 2009 - Prep, Day 1.

This is Whiskey Flats Weekend. Rain, Snow or Shine, the show must go on!
We had to run an errand this morning in Kernville. It started snowing so we took our cameras. A lot of people were there setting up for Whiskey Flats. I think we got some pretty good pictures of the snowfall and activities. It was wet but it was a lot of fun. An hour after we got home the sky started to clear and the sun began to melt the snow. Those pictures are at the end of the slide show. I hope tomorrow's weather is a nicer day for all the events.
Enjoy! Bernie & Steph

Jordin Sparks headlines Mix It Up fundraiser for Shriners Hospital & Sparks Chrities

Mix it Up Feb. 20, 09

by Randy Cordova The Arizona Republic

The death of a Valley woman inspired an upcoming fundraiser that has attracted the attention and support of American Idol victor Jordin Sparks.

"We're thrilled she's involved," says event coordinator Anthony Kessman. "This will be a big event for her and her fans."

Sparks gets top billing at the Mix It Up Variety Show, which will be held in Phoenix on Feb. 20. Also scheduled to appear are radio personalities Johnjay and Rich, Christa Black and the Rhythm Riders, a country band that Kessman manages.


The concept of the show is reflected in its title.

"Every show Jordin does, fans have to wait to the end to see her," Kessman says. "This way, she'll pop up early and keep coming out and doing things people don't expect from her."

While Sparks' recording career plants her firmly in an R&B/pop style, longtime Valley fans know that the Glendale-raised singer has a thing for country music. She used to perform on amateur nights at Mr. Lucky's, a club formerly owned by J. David Sloan, who is also on the bill.

Kessman says the diverse mix of artists means you can expect Sparks to perform such offbeat tunes as the Charlie Daniels Band's The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Jackson, a '60s duet by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood.

"These are the kind of songs that people don't know she loves," Kessman says.

The show will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children and Sparks Charities. The impetus for the event came after the death last year of Phoenix resident Toni Davenport, who died of cancer. Family friends decided to do an event in her memory.

"It started from that, and it's grown into this," Kessman says. "It's very special."

Wait for the Wyatts no more; 2009 concert debut tonight

Tucson, Arizona
Tickets are $6, and a portion of the proceeds go to the Shriners Children's Hospital.
The concert is part of the Shriners Rock series at the Sabbar Shrine

The Wyatts, fresh from being holed up in the studio for months, will rock the Sabbar Shrine tonight at 8 with Tucson country newcomer Gary Bonnett.

In their first concert of 2009, the Wyatts will bring along their Hillbilly Orchestra — featuring Gary Mackender (of The Mollys, Carnivaleros) tickling the ivories, Neil "Rusty" Harry working the pedal steel, and Woody Wyatt banging out the percussion.
In addition to their catalog of tongue-in-cheek, roots country and rock gems, the boys will preview their new material.
Tickets are $6, and a portion of the proceeds go to the Shriners Children's Hospital.
The concert is part of the Shriners Rock series that kicked off in January and runs through February at the Sabbar Shrine, 450 S. Tucson Blvd. Details at www.myspace.com/shriners rockconcertseries or 624-2509.

A Thank You from a Nurse at Shriners Hospital for Children

I wanted to take a moment and express my appreciation to the members of The Edge youth group at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. I am a charge nurse at Shriners Hospital for Children, where we provide free care to pediatric patients who suffer from burns, spinal cord injuries and various orthopedic conditions. These children, particularly those with spinal cord injuries and burns, often have a tough time with thermoregulation. While it is easy to raise a thermostat and warm up a hospital room, it is not always so easy to help a child who is just too warm cool down. The Edge launched a campaign to raise funds by collecting recyclables and provided oscillating fans for one of the units at the hospital. I want them to know how appreciated their contribution is and how important their work is. Not only will these fans provide cool air to those who are unable to cool off themselves, some children have a hard time sleeping in the strange hospital environment, and the “white noise” of a fan provides comfort enough to let them rest.

In addition, I would like to publicly thank the adult members of the SVDP community, particularly Bill and Ellen Moe and Tanya Werner, for their participation in this project. I am so appreciative of the mentorship and guidance they provide our children, and feel very blessed to have them be a part of my children’s lives.

Again, on behalf of myself and the nurses of the Med/Surg Unit at Shriners, a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to you all.

Maxine Scheiber

Turko and Shriners

Here is a story from San Diego that I missed in December. It is a on going story that each of you should check out.
Please copy this link and check out the video www.kusi.com/features/turko/36918879.html

The problem that Turko tackeled is an example of what is going on through the country where children are not being helped by Doctors. This a good example of why we need to keep telling our story. There are kids that are stuck in limbo that we could have helped earlier if they know about Shriners Hospital for Children.
The LA Hospital dose a lot of repair work on children that have been worked on by others and not finished for many different reasons


www.kusi.com/features/turko/36918879.html and watch the video

Check out the YouTub Interview

We are happy to share some exciting news with you. On Wednesday night, Katie Couric hosted the "All Access Grammy Special" on CBS. The first musical artist she interviewed was Justin Timberlake, who is up for the "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" award for the 2009 Grammys.

Toward the end of the interview, Katie and Justin talk about Justin's love of golf and the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open PGA TOUR golf tournament. Justin goes on to talk about the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and says very complimentary, kind words about our philanthropy.

Below you will find a link to the transcript and a link to the video of the entire interview someone posted to a YouTube page. When you view the video, the mention comes at the 8.28 mark.

Transcript:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/04/entertainment/grammy2009/main4775675.shtml

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YCl-HdeUeM

Please feel free to forward this e-mail to others who may find this news interesting.

"Work of Heart" or where the art is/Shriners and KMIX 107.9 Saturday Feb.7

By Becca Collard

Last Saturday, Shriners Hospital for Children teamed up Mix 107.9 for the Mix Care for Kids event at Layton Hills Mall. Children of all ages gathered together in an attempt to begin a pay-it-forward movement. The afternoon was spent cutting, pasting, gluing, and coloring all sorts of Valentine's Day cards that are going to be taken to children at Shriners Hospital. The children will then have the opportunity to give the cards to the members of the healthcare community who have helped them.

Shriners does different things for each major holiday that allow children and parents to become involved, and have a chance to help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. This was the first time that Shriners has promoted an event with a radio station. Involving the radio station allowed the Hospital to reach out to a much larger demographic than it normally would.

Mix 107.9 DJ Jay Parker said, "We do anything we can to try and help out." Each month, Mix 107.9 holds an event called The Mix Care for Kids, the purpose of which is to find different ways to get children involved in charity work, and try to make a difference in the community. It also aims to give parents a chance to show their children the rewards of performing community service.

Jennifer, a mother from Cottonwood, said, "It's something good to do." Jennifer said she brought her nine-year-old son out to enjoy event because she felt that she spoils him, and wanted him to do something good for someone in need. Jennifer told her son about the children who will receive the cards, and how many of them are too sick to make their own Valentine's Day cards.

"I came to make sure the kids who are sick feel good on Valentine's Day," said Jet, an eight-year-old who came out with his mom and younger brother to participate. Jet was proud to say that he helped those in need.

Shriners Hospital Director of Public Relations Mike Babcock said, "It's all about thanking and making sure everyone who helps with the healthcare of the child gets something."

"It's a work of heart," said Babcock.

Shriners Hospital and Mix 107.9 will hold another event this coming Saturday, February 7 at South Towne Mall in Sandy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hearts will then be delivered to Shriners Hospital and handed out by children there.

Food Stores of Georgia Partner to Benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children

Jet Food Stores of Georgia, Inc., a company of 55 convenience stores in Georgia, is partnering with NASCAR driver David Ragan, who is from Unadilla, Ga., to help support Shriners Hospitals for Children.

From March 1 to April 30, 2009, customers will be given the option to add a donation to each purchase they make at Jet Food Stores. Participants can write their names on a special mobile that will be displayed in the store. Click here for a list of participating locations.

“We consider this opportunity to be an untapped resource to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children,” said David Usry, vice president of development at Jet Food Stores. “It’s all about the kids. We’ve seen what the Shriners do and are appreciative of their efforts to help children receive medical care.”

Since July 2008, Ragan has used his position as a top NASCAR driver to increase awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children on and off the racetrack. He is bringing national attention to the organization through public service announcements and other public endorsements, such as wearing a Shriners Hospitals for Children helmet and driving a race car with a Shriners Hospitals for Children paint scheme.

“I look forward to a long and productive relationship with Shriners International and the health care system they help support,” Ragan said. “With the help of NASCAR fans across the nation, I know we can increase donations to their worthwhile cause and ultimately help thousands more children in the future.”

Last season, Ragan took the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford to a 13th place finish in the point standings, amassing six top-5 and 14 top-10 finishes. In September, it was announced that UPS would sponsor Ragan in 2009.

NASCAR will be at Fontana,Ca AutoClub Raceway Feb.21,21 in Las Vegas Feb31,Mar.1st and at PIR in Phoenix April 17,18th 2009 Come on out and cheer on a brother Shriner

Northern Nevada Shriners to roast potentate

By Rhonda Costa, Nevada Appeal Staff Writer

The Kerak Temple of Reno and its Shrine clubs of northern Nevada will gather Friday to roast Potentate Art Gline at 6 p.m. at the Carson Nugget.

In ceremonies dating back more than a century, the club regales the man in the highest position.

Don Proud, president of the Kit Carson Shrine Club, said, “We will roast Art Gline because he’s the number one man within the temple. Emcee will be John Little, a personal friend of Art’s, who has known him for years. He will go into things that have happened during Art’s life. All good incidents, and all in fair play.”

The rumors about the club showing stag films during meetings is just that, a rumor, Proud said. However, word has it a photo of Gline appearing in the nude may be shown on a big screen.

“It’s a baby picture of him,” Proud said.

The Shriners have a membership of about 800, and Proud said new members are always welcome. They must first become a Mason to join.

“A lot of people think we’re a secret organization. We’re not,” Proud said.

Proud said Carson City is one of the clubs within the Reno Temple. It is primarily a men’s organization, but Proud admits they couldn’t accomplish their goals without the women.

The main purpose of the Shriners is to provide health care to children for spinal cord injuries, cleft palates and burns.

“And we do all this for free,” Proud said. “We have 19 hospitals that provide health care. That’s what we’re all about, to take care of these kids. And we hold screening clinics all the time.”

The closest Shriner Hospital is in Sacramento.

“They’re the best in the country,” Proud said.

The Kit Carson Shrine Club meets at 6 p.m. the first Friday of each month at the Carson Nugget.

Cost to attend the roast is $22.50 per person, reservations required. The roast is from 6-9:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St.

For reservations or information, call Proud at 882-4544.

Hardy Murphy

Certificate of Appreciation
presented to Hardy Murphy


In special recognition of your outstanding commitment to Shriners International through your service as the El Zaribah Shriners’ Public Relations Chairman for more than ten years. Your dedication is highly regarded and hereby officially recognized.

January 31, 2009
Douglas E.Maxwell,Imperial Potentate
 
Nate Grosher and Louis Gross Imperial Public Relations Committee Regional Director

Shriners International and IHOP Partner to Raise Funds for Shriners Hospitals

The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) aims to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Shriners Hospitals for Children by conducting a point-of-purchase fundraising campaign, as well as giving away millions of pancakes for free* on Feb. 24, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., in honor of National Pancake Day. In return, IHOP employees will ask guests to donate what they would have paid for their pancakes, or more, to Shriners Hospitals for Children. The campaign will involve select IHOP restaurants in seven states: Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

The point-of-purchase fundraising campaign has already begun at some locations, with all participating IHOP restaurants beginning by Feb. 10. Local temples, or chapters, of Shriners International will work in concert with participating IHOP locations to organize and promote the event. When guests pay for their meals, they will be given an option to add $1 to $5 to their bill, with proceeds benefiting the health care system.

“We are so grateful to IHOP for their efforts to bring friends, families and neighbors together in the name of Shriners Hospitals for Children,” said Ralph W. Semb, president and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. “A delicious meal at IHOP is an excellent way to spread awareness and raise funds for our incredible health care system, and we anticipate a great outpouring of support from the communities involved.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment at no charge – regardless of financial need.

Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. There are approximately 375,000 members from 191 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.

*Limit one free short stack per guest. Valid for dine-in only, no to-go orders. Not valid with any other offer, special, coupon or discount. Valid at participating restaurants only, while supplies last.

First Shriners Hospitals for Children Satellite Clinic opens in Winnipeg, Canada

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Jan. 30, 2009) -

Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC) - Canada, the Rehabilitation Centre for Children of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and the Khartum Shriners announced the official opening of the first ever Shriners Hospitals Satellite Orthopaedic Clinic. The purpose of the Clinic is to evaluate children referred from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, or North Western Ontario, to Shriners Hospitals for Children, to determine whether they can be treated in Winnipeg or whether they need to be seen in at SHC-Canada in Montreal for specialized orthopaedic care. The new Shriners clinic is one of 14 clinics available at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children to children with special needs. In the first year, the Clinic will function as a pilot project operating a half day per month approximately 10 times/year.

The Clinic will operate under the auspices of Shriners Hospitals for Children but will be staffed by orthopaedic surgeons who are credentialed in both the Shriners and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's systems.

According to Dr. Susan Thompson, "The primary purpose of the Clinic will be assessment and diagnosis." If children assessed at the Clinic require further treatment that can be managed locally (i.e., surgery, orthotics, physiotherapy, etc.) they will be referred from the Clinic back into the Winnipeg health care system. If a child requires transfer to Montreal for orthopaedic surgery, this will be arranged and administered through the Clinic, in coordination with Shriners Hospitals for Children. After a child has surgery at SHC-Canada, the Clinic will provide physician follow-up such as post surgery evaluation, cast removal and arranging care and rehabilitation with any local resources required. Shriners Hospitals will have a clinic coordinator from Montreal attend the Clinic to liaise with families and the hospital for any resources under the Shriners Hospitals system and help the patients/family should it be determined that surgery will take place in Montreal.

Dr. Brian Postl, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said the clinic will ensure children get the most appropriate care, in the most appropriate place. "Any child who can be seen and treated here at home will be," Dr. Postl said. "But those who would benefit from specialized care in Montreal will get that." He said many families will benefit from being able to get the follow-up care they need in Winnipeg, even if they've had surgery in Montreal.

All costs related to the Clinic will be covered by SHC-Canada. Physicians will bill Manitoba Health on a fee-for-service basis for services rendered.

"This Satellite Clinic represents transportation cost savings for SHC-Canada and the Khartum Shriners. More importantly, we will be able to help more patients from this area, as well as reduce stress, travel and time away from home, school and work for these families," details Celine Doray, Administrator at SHC-Canada.

Khartum Shriners of Winnipeg will provide support for this Clinic in the form of fundraising, volunteers and publicity. Referrals to the Clinic will originate through the regular Shriners Hospitals' process (i.e., potential patients are referred to Montreal from the Shrine Centers from dedicated areas/provinces, Manitoba or other provincial health care systems). The Shriners Hospital, once in receipt of the referral will contact the Clinic assistant at RCC to book appointments with families.

Burn Awareness Week is February 1 - 7

Burn injuries are a parent's worst nightmare. Shriners Hospitals for Children wants to help. During the week of February 1 - 7, the hospitals will kick off a year-long campaign focusing on gasoline burn injury prevention.

"Preventing burn injuries and burn awareness education should be an ongoing effort, not just a week-long campaign," said Peter Armstrong, M.D., chief medical officer at Shriners Hospitals for Children. "We are declaring 2009 the year of 'Preventing Gasoline Burn Injuries.'"

The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation estimates that around 10,000 pediatric burn injuries occur annually in just the United States. Dr Armstrong states that many of these injuries are preventable.

What can you do to prevent gasoline burn injuries?

* Lock up any gasoline you have around your home.
* Don't store ANY gasoline inside your home - even in the basement.
* Keep any possible ignition sources as far away from gasoline as possible.
* Gasoline and matches don't mix - teach your children to stay far away from them.
* Download educational information from www.burnawarenessweek.org and share it with your children.

Since 2002, more than 800 kids have been treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children for acute burns from highly flammable materials like gasoline. Your older kids aren't immune. In fact, kids 13 and older are the highest at-risk group for these types of injuries.

Burns are painful and difficult to recover from. No one wants to see their child go through something like this. Please, educate yourself and your children on how to prevent gasoline burn injuries.

Shriners Hospitals for Children encourages parents, teachers, and all members of the community to visit the Burn Awareness site or the local Shrine Public Relations representive for important safety burn prevention messages, tips, and free educational information (including lesson plans, fact sheets, coloring books, and a DVD for teens).

Shriners International founded hospitals specifically dedicated to providing specialized care to children with burn injuries. These hospitals are located in Boston, Cincinnati and Northen California This facility, located in Sacramento, Calif., treats pediatric burns, orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Several of the other 19 Shriners pediatric Hospital provide burn scar recovery

Today, these hospitals are world-renowned for their expertise in providing life-saving, innovative care to children with burn injuries of all degrees. The work of these hospitals includes efforts to prevent burn injuries by educating the public on burn awareness and prevention