Best hospital in the United States for children

A U.S.News & World Report today ranked The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia the best hospital in the United States for children.

"This designation recognizes important and cutting-edge work that goes on at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia every day," says Steven M. Altschuler, M.D., president and chief executive officer of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "We feel a tremendous responsibility and sense of urgency to continue to push the boundaries of pediatric medicine in our quest to end childhood disease."

The rankings are reported in the July 12th "Best Hospitals" issue of U.S.News & World Report available on newsstands beginning July 5, 2004. Consistent with previous years, most specialty institutions, including pediatrics, are ranked by reputation among board-certified physicians randomly selected from the American Medical Association database.

"This ranking is an affirmation of the tremendous impact The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has on pediatric medicine and research," says Richard M. Armstrong Jr., chairman, Board of Trustees, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The people of this region are fortunate to have a truly world-renowned pediatric resource in their own backyard."

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was also named the number one children's hospital in comprehensive, data-based studies conducted by Child magazine. Children's Hospital was also recently awarded Magnet status, the nursing profession's highest national recognition by the American Nursing Credentialing Center.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the leading research and clinical facilities for children in the world, encompassing expertise in virtually every pediatric medical subspecialty. Highlights include:

• The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment is one of only two comprehensive Centers worldwide and is at the forefront of research and clinical practice in fetology - the treatment of infants before birth. Since its inception in 1995, the Center has grown to receive more than 4,000 referrals from all 50 states and 46 countries.
• The Cardiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is internationally recognized for providing comprehensive multidisciplinary care for children with acquired and congenital heart disease. It houses an internationally renowned program in cardiothoracic surgery, as well as the East Coast's largest heart and heart/lung transplantation program.
• The Oncology Program is one of the nation's largest cancer programs dedicated exclusively to children. It also houses an internationally recognized center for pediatric cancer research where researchers are leading the way in classifying and treating neuroblastoma (one of the childhood cancers most resistant to treatment).
• The Newborn/Infant Center treats the most critical neonatal and infant illnesses. The 50-bed unit provides care for all types of respiratory, surgical cardiac, genetic, renal, neurological, hematologic and metabolic diseases. It serves as a referral center for regional, national and international cases.