In the News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Congressman Richard Neal and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined the Shriners Hospital medical staff for the opening of the $1.3 million pediatric inpatient rehabilitation service.

The unit will have a profound and immediate impact on children needing these rehab services.

"Right now, any child that needs pediatric rehab has to travel to Boston and their parents would have to travel to Boston with them," Sheryl Moriarty explained. "So we'll be able to bring inpatient rehabilitation services here to western Massachusetts."

Many who had contributed funds to the project toured the rehab center prior to its formal opening on Monday for 20 patients who will receive their rehabilitation closer to home.

Steven Behe, Chairman of the Board of Governors for the hospital told 22News that "A little girl yesterday left a note on my desk in my office thanking us for her surgery. That's what Shriners are all about: the satisfaction of helping kids."

The rehab services will help children with medical issues ranging from brain and spinal cord injuries to those struggling with stroke and orthopedic conditions.