Mexican Government Thanks Shriners Hospitals for Children(R)

President Calderon Acknowledges Shriners Hospitals for Children(R) for Role in Aftermath of Day Care Fire in Hermosillo, Mexico


TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 16, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's always nice to be recognized, and thanked for good works. And when the grateful comments come from a head of state, the moment is particularly meaningful.

On July 20, Felipe Calderón, President of Mexico, publicly acknowledged the efforts of Shriners Hospitals for Children® on behalf of children injured in the fire at the ABC day care center in Hermosillo, Mexico, on June 9, 2009.

The President, First Lady Margarita Zavala, and Daniel Karam, director general of the country's social security program, traveled to the city of Hermosillo, nearly 1,000 miles from the capitol of Mexico City, for this event. Guillermo Padrés, governor of the State of Sonora, where Hermosillo is located, and other dignitaries, were also present. In an outdoor ceremony at a local hospital, replete with massive, tight security befitting the presence of a head of state, the high-ranking government officials praised and thanked Shriners Hospitals for Children® for invaluable support in the aftermath of the tragedy.

More than 140 children were at the day care center when the fire erupted; more than 40 lost their lives and at least another 40 were hospitalized. Nine children, with burns covering from 17 to 80 percent of their body surface, were treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California, and three at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Cincinnati. At least five children were in critical condition on arrival.

In the days following the fire, medical teams from the Northern California and Los Angeles Shriners Hospitals traveled to Hermosillo to assist local health care providers. Later, children with injuries were also seen at the outreach clinics that Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California holds in the area on a regular basis. As is true for all patients of the health care system, these children will be cared for until they are 18, regardless of their ability to pay for services.

Of the efforts of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, President Calderón said, "We are deeply grateful for their prompt support." He also said his wife had followed the treatment, progress and medical attention provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children®, and clearly the attention given the children was "as if they were their own children, and we are very, very grateful."

Before reiterating his promise of a new hospital in Hermosillo, equipped to handle the rehabilitation of those with burn injuries, President Calderón said, "I am sure that Shriners Hospitals for Children® has a very special place in the hearts of the Mexican people because of the solidarity and effectiveness shown during this terrible event."

Peter Armstrong, M.D., chief medical officer for Shriners Hospitals for Children®, was on hand to accept a beautiful plaque. In his remarks, Dr. Armstrong shared some of the history of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, including the development of its four service lines of pediatric orthopaedics, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. He discussed the burn care programs at the Northern California and Galveston hospitals, including their commitment to providing continuing medical education and practical experience for physicians from Mexico. These opportunities will be provided both in Mexico and in the U.S.

Dr. Armstrong also expressed deep sympathy for the families affected by the tragic fire, reiterated Shriners Hospitals for Children® 's commitment to them, and thanked the Mexican government for the award.

After the ceremony, Dr. Armstrong visited a children's hospital, where an addition of a five-bed pediatric burn unit is being planned.

"The Secretary of Health for Sonora is very interested in having us look at the plans, and provide input for the facility and training for the staff," said Dr. Armstrong. "We have every intention of providing all we can and continuing discussions with the Mexican government on ways to work together to provide continued education for their medical professionals." 

Despite the searing 105-degree heat, approximately 300 people were present for the ceremony, which received national and international press coverage, indicative of the continued concern for those affected by this tragedy.

Dr. Armstrong was most touched by President Calderón's comment that Shriners Hospitals for Children® looked after the children as if they were their own. While that is extremely high praise, Dr. Armstrong said, "That is what Shriners Hospitals for Children® does for every child we treat. That is just what we're all about," on his return to the organization's corporate headquarters in Tampa, Fla.

Still, it was quite an honor to have that deep level of dedication and commitment recognized by a sitting president.

"This was a very proud day for Shriners Hospitals for Children®," said Dr. Armstrong. "It is not often that a president of a country so publicly praises our organization.

"It was a personal honor to meet the President and, to some degree, surreal. Not long ago, I saw him on TV with President Obama. And then I was speaking to him. He and the First Lady were both very gracious."

It's been said that good can come from tragedy. While nothing will ease the pain of the families who lost their children, perhaps they can find some comfort in knowing that the Mexican government, together with Shriners Hospitals for Children®, is committed to improving medical knowledge of and care for burn injuries in Mexico. The Mexican government is already funding two one-year fellowships for burn surgeons at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Northern California, in partnership with the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. The First Lady of Mexico, Margarita Zavala, was extremely involved in the development of this program. In addition, discussions are underway with Mexican Social Security officials about providing additional training in burn management for physicians, nurses and therapists in Mexico.

"Shriners Hospitals for Children® looks forward to continuing to work with the government and relevant organizations in Mexico to improve the health care of Mexican children," said Dr. Armstrong. "We share a common passion – to do the very best we can to help children."

About Shriners Hospitals for Children®

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a pediatric health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to providing specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care. All care and services are provided regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

For more information please visit: http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/News/AwardFromMexico?hospital=Main">http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/News/AwardFromMexico?hospital=Main



            

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