Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Do we need to know a Shriner or speak with a Shriner before my child can be treated or seen at the Cincinnati hospital?

A:  No. For any questions about a pediatric burn injury and the appropriate treatment, call (800) 875-8580 and ask to speak to the charge nurse - anytime day or night. Shriners outside of the Cincinnati area often help families with transportation arrangements to the hospital, but you do not need to make contact with a Shriner before calling our hospital to discuss treatment.

Q:  Do I need insurance to be treated at the hospital?

A:  No, you do not need insurance. For questions about a pediatric burn injury, call (800) 875-8580 and ask to speak to the charge nurse, to be connected with our clinic staff who can make an appointment and take necessary information over the phone, or they can make arrangements for the child to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. If you are within driving distance, we can often see the child that day or the very next day.

Q:  Can I donate used toys or used stuffed animals to the hospital?

A:  No, for infection control purposes we cannot accept used toys. For more information on the toy donation program, download our Toy Program brochure. For the safety and welfare of our patients, all donated items must be new and unwrapped. Donations can be dropped off at our information/security desk in our main lobby. Print the gift-in-kind donation form and be sure to bring the completed form along with your donation.

Q:   Can skin from gastric bypass surgery be donated to children for skin grafts?

A:   No, the only donor skin that can be used at the burn center is cadaver skin processed through a skin bank. Only skin from cadavers is used for skin grafts, because cadavers give the greatest amount of surface area – up to 10 sq. feet of usable skin for a burn patient. Skin that could be taken from a person who had excessive weight loss would not generate the amount of skin or quality skin needed to treat burn patients.

Q:  Can I volunteer at the hospital?

A:  The Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati is a small hospital with only 30 beds, so we have limited opportunities. Please call (513) 872-6059 and request an application or send in a request by e-mail. We do not have volunteer positions for just “reading to the patients.” Also, because of patient confidentiality and hospital policies, volunteers cannot personally give gifts to the children, visit with them, or read books to them without becoming part of our volunteer program.

Q:  Can a Brownie troop, Boy Scout troop, church group come to the hospital and do volunteer work?

A:  Because we are so small, we cannot accommodate large groups of volunteers at one time in the hospital. Scout groups and other youth groups can perform community service projects for us. Download a copy of our toy information brochure with information about community service projects ideas.

Q:  Do you accept pop cans or tabs?

We accept pop can TABS. We do not except pop cans or soup labels. The pop tabs are used bythe Evelyn Jordan Fund– to purchase such things as patient clothing, TVs, gift wrap, coats and other hospital needs. If you would like an acknowledgment of your tab donations, please include that information with your donation.

Q:  When can I drop off our donation or pop tabs?

A:  Our volunteers (during the day) or our security personnel (at night) can accept your donations through the main doors of our hospital. Remember, if you'd like a thank you letter sent, include your name, address and organization information with your donation.

Q:  Do you take used clothing donations?

A:  No, we can not accept used clothing donations.

Q:  I know a child who likes to play with fire, do you have a program for them at the hospital?

A:  No, but we refer children and their families to the services of the Juvenile Firesetter Prevention Program with the Center for Children and Families. They can be reached at (513) 221-4673.

Q:  How can a group tour the facility?

A:  We provide group tours several dates a month. There are scheduled dates for school (grades K-6) groups listed on our special event page. High school and vocational schools are scheduled periodically through the month. Call Louise Hoelker (513) 872-6000 or e-mail us to find scheduled programs. These programs include a presentation about the hospital, a brief tour and information from clinical staff on nursing, rehabilitation and child life issues related to burn injuries. During flu season, tours and visits to the hospital may be limited.