As a basis for its decision, the hospital cited a declining need for inpatient care as a result of the changing healthcare landscape and advances in medical procedures.
“We are not closing the Twin Cities hospital,” said Roger Robinson, the chairman of the Shriner’s board, according to the StarTribune. “The only change is for the inpatient procedures, in which case we will shift them to other partnering facilities just as we are currently doing in some cases.”
Shriners is subsidized by Shriners fraternity, fundraisers, and public donations, because it does not charge for its services. Overcapacity and financial woes have put pressure on the 22-hospital system since 2013. As a result, Shriners discussed several proposals to close hospitals, which were rejected. Despite the rejected closures, Shriners said they will convert some hospitals to outpatient care only.
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