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Seasons Greetings! The snow is beginning to fly, but that hasn't slowed down the activity at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Twin Cities. Here's a quick update on recent exciting events.
Patient Activity: As you know, Our primary mission is to reach children who might benefit from our special services. The chart below illustrates some of our progress to this end. We have achieved a 52% increase in new patients served. This increase in activity relates directly to the support and active community engagement of the 21 Shrine Centers in the Hospital's service area:
|
Nov 2004
11 months YTD |
Nov 2005
11 months YTD |
Percent Chg. |
New Patients |
379 |
575 |
52% |
Patient Discharges |
387 |
637 |
65% |
Clinic Encounters |
5294 |
5920 |
12% |
Patient Applications |
696 |
909 |
31% |
Definitions - Outreach : Last month we received a several questions from Shriners concerning the different types of outreach or off-site services that the Hospital offers during the year. Here is our response.
• Application Open Houses are organized and managed by local area Shrine groups without direct involvement of hospital staff. Potential patients and their families are invited to an Open House event to complete a simple one-page application, which is then sent to the Hospital to determine the appropriateness of medical care based on the child's condition. A medical examination is not conducted at an Open House event.
• Evaluations Clinics are held with the support of local area Shrine groups. Patient applications are completed and a short, medical screening examination is conducted by a physician or qualified nursing professional to determine if hospital treatment will be of value.
• Outreach Clinics have a dual function. Physicians are present to see patients in follow up who have already received earlier services. Prospective patients are also evaluated at these Clinics. Outreach Clinics often require the availability of radiology and other related services.
We hope that this simple outline clarifies the terms and the varying levels of off-site clinic services that are offered.
Donations: In October and November we received donations from 38 different Shrine Clubs and Units including a donation of $19,915 from the Za-Ga-Zig Temple (Altoona, IA) and $11,250 from the Fort Dodge Shrine Club. On behalf of the patients and their families we extend a profound thanks to all who contribute time, money and love.
In the News : Congratulations to 16-year old Kolby Gruhot, a Shriners patient, who was recognized in a front page article of the Minneapolis StarTribune. Kolby is a member of the Minnesota State Champion Stephen-Argyle football team. Kolby lost his left leg below the knee at age 31/2 and. he has worn a prosthetic leg every since. Kolby's success in sports is truly inspirational.
Shriner - Twin Cities patients Anneliesse and Kari Nelson of Roseau, Minnesota both participated in the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon with their surgeon, Dr. Ken Guidera, Shriners Twin Cities Chief of Staff, as reported in The Northern Watch newspaper. We are exceptionally thankful to the two sisters - they raised $2000 for scoliosis research.
Mark Hughes, last year's recipient of the Shriners - Twin Cities Rainbow of Hope award, was highlighted in the Access Press . Mark co-produces the program, "Disability Viewpoints," which airs each week on a Minneapolis area cable station. He has had over 35 different procedures in his lifetime, many provided by Shriners Hospitals, in an effort to manage his cerebral palsy. His work to raise awareness about disability issues is fantastic.
Ann Holland, Manager of Rehabilitation Services, has accepted an invitation to serve on the Allied Health Professionals Subcommittee at the University of Minnesota, where she will have the opportunity to influence of the next generation of care providers.
Hospital Visitation Day : Mark your calendars. Hospital Visitation Day is scheduled for May 19-20, 2006.
Have a safe and joyous holiday season!
Contacts:
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