NEWS RELEASES
U. S. News ranks Texas Children’s Hospital #6
in best pediatric hospitals nationwide
Nation’s largest pediatric hospital is best in Southwest

Houston, TX (June 5, 2008) – U.S.News & World Report announced the results of the 2008 edition of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals, identifying the top 30 pediatric hospitals in the country. The comprehensive survey – whose results appear in the June 9 issue of the magazine – ranks Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston No. 6 among the nation’s pediatric hospitals.

In addition to general pediatrics, for the first time U.S.News developed separate rankings in specific pediatric subspecialties such as cancer, digestive disorders, heart and heart surgery, neonatal care, neurology and neurosurgery and respiratory disorders. Texas Children’s Hospital ranked in the top 10 of every category and placed in the top five for the following subspecialties: Respiratory Disorders #2, Cancer #3, Heart and Heart Surgery #3, Digestive Disorders #4, and Neurology and Neurosurgery #5.

To illustrate Texas Children’s Heart Center’s expertise, U.S.News featured an update on Makenna Franks, a 5-year-old, whose heart surgery to repair hypoplastic left heart syndrome was featured in last year’s America’s Best Children’s Hospitals issue. The follow-up article, “No Slowing Her Down,” chronicles Makenna’s recovery through photography, a news article and an online video.

“Being named among the nation’s top children’s hospitals in U.S.News magazine is an outstanding achievement and demonstrates Texas Children’s continued leadership in pediatric health care,” said Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital.

“We are especially proud of our sub-specialties that excel among the best hospitals anywhere. Every member of the Texas Children’s team contributes to building a healthy community of children and should be proud of these accomplishments.”

To be considered for the ranking, hospitals had to meet certain criteria and complete a thorough survey of their facilities. U.S.News rankings were based on methodology that weighed a three-part blend of reputation, outcome and care-related measures such as volume, nursing, advanced technology, and credentialing.

“Our profile and ranking in U.S.News magazine reflects the ardent dedication of our physicians and staff,” said Dr. Ralph D. Feigin, physician-in-chief of Texas Children’s Hospital. “This high ranking is a testimony to our mission to support excellence in patient care, education and research.”

With more than 2 million patient encounters in 2007, Texas Children’s Hospital provides medical care in more than 40 pediatric subspecialties and is the primary pediatric teaching hospital for Baylor College of Medicine. Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor partner in approximately 400 research projects annually and receive $90 million in funding – one of the largest commitments to pediatric research in the country.
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About Texas Children’s Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s provides medical care in more than 40 pediatric subspecialties and is the primary pediatric teaching hospital for Baylor College of Medicine. Texas Children’s also operates the nation’s largest primary pediatric care network, with over 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas Children’s has embarked on a $1.5 billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes a comprehensive neurological research institute, the formation of a maternity center, and the development of the new West Campus, Texas Children’s first pediatric hospital in a suburban setting.