Texas Shriners Hospital Will Close
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Texas Shriners Hospital Will Close
The hurricane-damaged Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston will close.
Font Size:

GALVESTON (January 23, 2009)—The Hurricane Ike-damaged Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston will close its doors.

Employees got the news during a staff meeting Thursday.

Hospital administrator John Swartwout Jr. said the Shriners board decided Jan. 16 to suspend hospital operations as an emergency measure to shore up its finances.

The Sept. 13 storm did significant damage to the hospital, which is known for its burn unit.

The hospital has 320 employees who will be paid until March 29.

They will also receive career transition assistance.

Employees were instructed Thursday to go home and not return until a meeting at1 p.m. Monday with Shriners International President and CEO Ralph Semb.

Repairs on the hospital were halted this week because of the cost.

Semb told The Associated Press this week that the hospital had significant damage and said the group can't afford to repair it.

Semb said the organization has lost more than $3 billion from its endowment fund as a result of the economic downturn.

**

Latest Comments

Posted by: Bill Location: Temple on Jan 23, 2009 at 04:11 PM

Well that just goes to show you, the government will GIVE money to the car manufactures but let a hospital that dose so much good for children have to close its doors. I see the NEW staff is off to a great start...
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Jan 23, 2009 at 03:13 PM

If anyone or anything ever NEEDED a bailout, this is it. Even I would be ok with this one! They do so much good for so many children, at ZERO cost to the family. I suspect if the Shriners were to make a nationwide appeal they'd get all the money they need, and more.
More Stories
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Law Line
This free service can help you find answers to your legal questions about personal injury, criminal law, bankruptcy, family law and more.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Quality Process Director - Coryell Memorial Healthcare System in Gatesville - a community based facility: Join our team as the Quality Improvement Director where you will have a strong voice in all aspects of care, from patient care to employee safety. Apply today!

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.