Shriners meet to decide hospitals' fate

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - For generations, children with clubbed feet, severe burns and other debilitating injuries have been treated for free at Shriners hospitals .

As the charity's endowment shrivels, the fraternal group faces a serious decision about whether to close six of its hospitals. The Galveston, Texas site has been closed since Hurricane Ike hit last September.

About 1,300 Shriners International members are meeting in San Antonio this week. They are considering permanently closing a quarter of the hospital system's facilities.

In an initial vote Monday, the Shriners agreed to keep all 22 hospitals open. No decision is final until the convention ends Thursday.

Ralph Semb with Shriners Hospitals for Children said if nothing changes, the endowment fund will be depleted in seven years.

The group is considering allowing its hospitals to accept medical insurance.