Shriners revealed plans in March to consolidate care systemwide, including ending burn care services at Shriners Hospital for Children-Boston. The health system’s board approved the decision in June and affirmed their commitment to the plan in July.
However, the plan raised concern among physicians and other Boston-area healthcare experts, who claimed the 30-bed specialty hospital is critically important for pediatric burn patients. The Boston facility is one of 22 hospitals in the Shriners network, but is one of four institutions with a burn unit. It is also the only verified burn unit for children in the New England region, the report states.
A Shriners spokesperson told The Boston Globe July 26 officials recognized the “strong desire in the community to maintain those services,” but said officials are still planning to “change the footprint” of the Boston hospital and will work with regional healthcare institutions to develop “a new model of care.”
“It is our plan to keep the inpatient burn unit at Boston. We’re very excited about the 50 years we’ve served the Boston region. We’re very excited that care will continue on into the future,” the spokesperson said.
To access the full report, click here.
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