Ferrell says the cuts at Tampa's location will not affect patient care. Administrators expect to admit the same number of patients and provide the same services.
In fact, they hope to expand.
Ferrell says he has met with Tampa Bay area hospitals, looking for gaps in care that Shriners could fill. One answer: rehabilitative care.
Because Shriners has a history of inpatient care, its Tampa hospital could take in children who have been treated for acute issues and just need a little more recovery time before they go home, Ferrell said.
That could include a child receiving intravenous fluids or one recovering from a head injury, he said.
"We don't look to be profitable hospitals," Ferrell said. "That's not our mission. But if we can help reduce the drain on our endowment, then hopefully it can grow in more stable times."