Programs, services and patient referrals will be the focus of a talk given by Joel Emperador, manager of the Intensive Care Unit at Shriners Hospitals for Children -- Northern California to Solano County school nurses today.

Emperador will speak to Solano County school nurses and other professionals who serve children at 3 p.m. at the Solano County Office of Education, 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield.

Accessing the Gift of Specialized Care is the title of Emperador's talk, which will focus on the programs and services provided by the Shriners regional pediatric medical center in Sacramento. All those attending the presentation will learn about the hospital's treatment specialties and how to refer a patient.

Emperador's distinguished career includes leadership positions in nursing administration and critical care. He joined the Northern California Shriners Hospital in 2007 to provide nursing leadership and management oversight of the Intensive Care Unit. In addition to his work at Shriners Hospital, Emperador teaches nursing at San Joaquin Delta College and the University of Phoenix. As a nurse leader and educator, he is working to cultivate nurse leaders of tomorrow.

"School nurses are often involved in referring families for a variety of health services. They have appreciated the support and care Shriners provides for children in need and welcome the opportunity to learn more about the programs and services that Shriners Hospitals for Children offers,"says registered nurse Marie Fortier, who organized the program for the Solano County Office of Education.

Supported by private donations, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California is a regional pediatric medical center providing the gift of specialized care to children with orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and scars from any cause. As the busiest pediatric burn center in California, the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento provides acute and rehabilitative burn care. Orthopaedic specialties include a complex spine program, absence of limbs (orthotics and prosthetics), club foot, osteogenesis imperfecta, hand deformities, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. Any child 18 years or younger is eligible for care, providing the child's condition is within the scope of services provided. The Sacramento Shriners Hospital is located at 2425 Stockton Blvd.

For more information about the hospital and its care, call 916-453-2000 or go online to