Governor Crist Visits Shriners Hospital for Children

Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Andrew Agwunobi, M.D., Secretary, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration paid a visit to the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa on Friday, Nov 30th. The special guests were greeted with applause and handshakes by Shriners, patients, staff and volunteers. Shriners’ patient Gabby Falcone smiled as she said, “Welcome Governor” and presented him with the new Shriners Hospitals for Children logo pin.

With a true awe inspired sentiment, Governor Crist commended hospital staff and volunteers on behalf of himself, Dr. Agwunobi and the state of Florida for serving Florida’s children with orthopaedic needs. As he headed off to his tour of the hospital, Governor Crist happily shook hands with Shriners, staff and patients, thanking each for their giving spirit and their strong will.

During his tour Governor Crist visited the orthotics and prosthetics department, the outpatient department and even partook in a live telemedicine demonstration and introduced himself to the Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati staff.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa has been working with legislative staff in the state of Florida to increase awareness and access to their services for children with orthopaedic needs. They were pleased to showcase their services and facility to the Governor.