Children's among best in country

Children's named one of top 30 pediatric hospitals by U.S.News & World Report

Children's Medical Center has again been named one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, according to U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Children's Hospitals" issue, which named Children's to the top 30 of more than 250 children's hospitals in the U.S. The list hits the newsstands June 2nd in the June 9th issue, and is available online at health.usnews.com/pediatrics.

Children's was ranked 25th in the top 30 children's hospitals in the U.S., of the 143 hospitals that were eligible for the honor. It is the only hospital in Dallas, and one of only two pediatric hospitals in Texas, to be included in the overall rankings.

"We are pleased with this recognition of our progress and the investment we are making to serve children and their families," said Christopher J. Durovich, president and CEO of Children's. "It is an honor for us to be included in ‘America's Best Children's Hospitals.'"

Specialty areas also receive nod

In a further extension of the 2007 pediatric rankings that listed the top 30 pediatric centers overall, the 2008 America's Best Children's Hospitals now includes the 30-top ranked pediatric hospitals in cancer, digestive disorders, heart and heart surgery, neonatal care, neurology and neurosurgery, respiratory disorders, and general pediatrics.

Children's ranked in several specialty areas, including:

• Cancer – 15th
• Digestive Disorders – 26th
• Heart and Heart Surgery – 22nd
• Neurology and Neurosurgery – 23rd

The specialty rankings of this year's America's Best Children's Hospitals were based on a new and improved methodology that weighed a three-part blend of reputation, outcome, and care-related measures such as nursing care, advanced technology, credentialing, and other factors. A detailed description of the methodology can be found online at www.usnews.com/pediatrics.

"Very sick kids need very special care," said Senior Writer Avery Comarow, who has been editor of the America's Best Hospitals and America's Best Children's Hospitals annual rankings since their inception. "The best places for them are pediatric facilities with a deep pool of expertise in their particular illness. Breaking out key specialties is crucial to help parents and other caregivers find these facilities."

Tags: award, top 30, U.S.News & World Report