Shrine Hospital Eligibility Requirements
Who is eligible to receive treatment at a Shriners Hospital?
Shriners Hospitals for Children are open to all children without regard to race, religion or relationship to a Shriner. There is never a charge to the patient or parents for any medical care or services provided at a Shriners Hospital. Any child who meets the following criteria may be eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals:
- If the child is under the age of 18
- If there is a reasonable possibility the child's condition can be helped
Admission procedures for orthopaedic hospitals
Application forms for admission to a Shriners Hospital can be obtained from any Shrine Temple or Shrine Club; by writing to Shriners Hospitals, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631; or by calling the Shriners Hospitals for Children toll-free referral line at 1-800-237-5055. (In Canada, call 1-800-361-7256.) Completed application forms should be returned to the nearest Shriners Hospital.
Admission procedures for Shriners Hospitals for Children
Emergency admissions
The sooner a burned child reaches a Shriners Hospital for Children, the better his/her chances of recovery. IN AN EMERGENCY, the referring physician treating a burned child should telephone the chief of staff at the nearest Shriners Hospital for Children and indicate that he has a patient needing emergency medical care. Transportation of the patient is the responsibility of the patient's family, but many Shrine Temples offer transportation assistance.
Non-emergency admissions
Non-emergency admission to a Shriners Hospital for Children is dependent on the medical needs of the patient and on the availability of beds. Shriners Hospital for Children are open to children, up to their 18th birthday, regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Shriner.
Application forms for non-emergency admissions to a Shriners Hospital for Children can be obtained from any Shrine Temple or Shrine Club; by writing to Shriners Hospitals, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631; or by calling the Shriners Hospitals for Children toll-free referral line at 1-800-237-5055. (In Canada, call 1-800-361-7256.)
For a free printed copy of the Shrine's popular Burn Prevention Tips booklet, write to the Public Relations Department at International Shrine Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or call 813-281-8162. Copyright 1996 Shriners Hospitals for Children