Since 1922, Shriners Hospitals for Children has been providing expert, compassionate medical care and treatment for children with orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord or burn injuries. Its other objectives are the promotion of medical education and research related to the causes of crippling in children. There are 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada, 19 of which provide orthopaedic care, including three with specialty spinal cord units.

Three hospitals are devoted to the physical and psychological treatment of children with severe burns. One hospital combines all disciplines, helping patients with orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burn injuries.

What makes Shriners Hospitals special is that there is no charge to the patient, parent, or legal guardian for any care the child receives at one of our hospitals. With our family-centered patient care, treatment plans are based on the child's medical and emotional needs, and are not
restricted by arbitrary insurance limitations. Moreover, Shriners Hospitals does not accept reimbursement from any third party private insurer or government payer for medical services performed at SHC.

It is the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children to:

• Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and certain other special health care needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
  
  
• Provide for the education of physicians and other health care professionals
  
  
• Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of life of children and families.

This mission is carried out without cost to the patient or family and without regard to financial need or relationship to a Shriner.

Shriners Hospitals for Children believes that its long-term success as the world’s finest philanthropic healthcare system depends on the dedication of each employee to a core set of values. These core values embrace the concept that all employees are valued members of the family-centered patient care team. The patient care team as a whole is comprised of two equally important interdependent units – support service personnel and multidisciplinary direct patient care employees. It is essential that each team member perform in a manner that exemplifies a belief in the following core values:

SERVICE:
Understands the importance of providing quality service to coworkers and the public. Strives to exceed expectations through the application of good "customer service" skills, both internally and externally.

INTEGRITY:
Assumes responsibility for doing the right and just thing in all situations. Is honest, conscientious, and accountable in all aspects of work. Demonstrates respect for self and others, both as professionals and as human beings.

COMMITMENT:
Actively promotes the SHC vision, mission and strategic plan. Fulfills agreements and commitments. Maintains licensure, certification or education as required for position.

EXCELLENCE:
Strives to effectively and efficiently provide services. Continuously seeks improvement opportunities.

TEAMWORK:
Recognizes the worth of each co-worker as a valuable member of the patient care team. Places the good of the team ahead of personal objectives.

Our staff believes in and practices a "family-centered care" approach to treatment. We believe the the family plays a vital role in a child's ability to overcome an illness or injury. Shriners Hospitals helps the family provide the support the child needs by involving the family in all aspects of care and recovery. The purpose of all Shriners Hospitals is to provide care for our children so they can lead fuller, more productive lives.

New leadership at Shriners Hospitals for Children

August 29, 2006

TAMPA, FLA. - James M. Full, FACHE, has been appointed executive vice president and COO of Shriners Hospitals for Children, succeeding Lewis K. Molnar, who retired in July after 45 years of service.

Born and raised in Chicago, Full most recently served as vice president for system integration for the St. Vincent Health System and before that was president and chief executive officer for St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, Ind. He began his career as a medical social worker with the Veterans Administration, and later served in various executive capacities within that health care system. He also has served as chief operating officer or chief executive officer at six hospitals throughout the country. He has been at Shriners Hospitals since November 2005 as part of the succession process, facilitating a seamless transition.

“I entered the health care field because I wanted to help people, and make a difference in their lives,” Full said. “I’m very happy to be part of an organization so focused on its mission of caring for children.”

Full said he will primarily focus on improving communications within the Shriners Hospitals system and developing of a strategic plan over the next year.

Full earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Marquette University in Milwaukee; a master's degree in social work from George Williams College at Aurora University in Aurora, Ill.; and a master's degree in business administration from DePaul University in Chicago. He was a member of the board of directors of the Indiana Hospital and Health Association, as well as president of its Eastern district. He also is a past president of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA), as well as a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Full has received numerous honors, including the 3M/Healthcare Forum Innovator Award; the VA Innovative Management Award; and a Rural Health Leadership Award from the IRHA. Additionally, Full was recognized with the Regents Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives for his contributions in the field of management.