Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa
Volume 1, Issue 6 - Winter/Spring 2000 - Page 1
Administrator's Update
By John Holtz, Administrator
Welcome to the sixth edition of our newsletter Family Ties. As we prepare for our hospital's expansion and renovation, we would like to share some significant developments in our efforts to enhance patient care.
- Our Hospital has been admitted to full voting membership in the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. This association promotes hospitals and health systems which are committed to excellence in providing health care to children. It does so through education, research, health promotion and advocacy.
- The planning process is continuing for our expansion project. We are scheduled to begin construction this spring.
- A major new initiative called Care Coordination is being developed in all Shriners Hospitals to improve communication with the families we serve. Alice Lanford, Director of Patient Care Services is directing this initiative for our hospital. (See her article for more information).
- The Shriners Hospital System is in the process of developing a new clinical information system which will improve quality of care and the efficiency in which care is delivered. The Tampa Hospital is one of the three pilot sites in the Shriners System to implement and test the new information system.
- We are currently meeting with other children's health care providers to explore the feasibility of working more closely together. These relationships may allow us to improve our coordination of services and perhaps serve even more children and families.
- A Transportation Quality Improvement Team was formed last year and included representatives from Shrine Temples and the Tampa hospital. The team met its primary goal to implement programs improving patient transportation to and from the hospital.
Thanks for your support of Shriners Hospital. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your family throughout the new millennium.
Champion
Athlete
gets his kicks
with taekwondo
By Alicia Argiz, Director of Public Relations & Volunteers
Spending most of his 14 years in and out of Shriners Hospital hasn't kept Robbie Oliver from kicking his way toward his dreams. The Boca Raton boy competes for world titles in a special division of taekwondo. Frustrated with traditional physical therapy, Robbie found a way to make therapy fun with taekwondo. He's been kicking his way around the country participating in regional and national tournaments, even winning a few along the way. The Olivers have made taekwondo a family affair with Robbie's dad Robert and 12-year-old brother Patrick also getting in on the act. According to his father Robert Oliver, "When Robbie was born, doctors said he'd never walk. After 11 years of treatment for spina bifida and more than 30 surgeries, he's overcome many challenges." Shriners Hospital Assistant Chief of Staff Dr. Kenneth Guidera said, "Robbie's achievements in the sport of taekwondo demonstrate his determination. He's been able to overcome some physical challenges by focusing on his abilities. We are all proud of him." "Robbie is always spreading happiness. He's a friendly and very likable kid who does well in school.
People swarm him because he has a great personality, and his teachers love him too. He's always helping others, especially younger children," according to his stepmother Janice.
"He's a remarkable boy," said Miguel Nelson, his instructor, who operates the ATA Taekwondo Club in Boca Raton. "Despite his disabilities, he's a first degree Black Belt, ranked fourth in the nation, in his special division. He's well disciplined and when he encounters something he can't do, he works out his own modifications."
Robbie's mother Teresa Oliver gives much of the credit for her son's recovery to the staff at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa. "It's a loving, caring and inspiring atmosphere for children there," said Teresa. "They treat kids as if they're adults, explaining what they will face and how they're going to cope. And best of all, they encourage them to do all they can to succeed."
At a recent competition Robbie was awarded two 2nd place trophies in the special abilities division. He performed 81 different moves and he only uses one crutch when he is sparring. Robbie shows a sincere spirit of determination in all he does, especially in his quest to compete for the world title in his special division of taekwondo. His winning attitude makes him an all around champion!