Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota ranked among nation’s best by U.S News & World Report

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (June 18, 2009) – For the third consecutive year, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota ranked among the nation's top pediatric hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual America's Best Children's Hospitals survey.

Children's was the only pediatric hospital in Minnesota to be recognized in the top 30 pediatric hospitals for neonatal care – the care of infants born prematurely or with other complications. Ninety-eight pediatric hospitals across the country were ranked in ten categories in 2009, up from six last year.

“As the only hospital in the state to be listed a national leader in neonatal care, we are proud to bring this honor to Minnesota,” said Alan L. Goldbloom, MD, president and CEO of Children’s. “To be recognized nationally illustrates the strength of Children’s pediatric care and is reflective of the expertise of our physicians, nurses and staff and their continued commitment to the patients and families we serve.”

Children’s was awarded the highest scores possible in multiple areas examined in the neonatal care rankings. With the state’s largest high-risk neonatal referral program, Children’s has a long track record of recognition for excellence in clinical outcomes and leadership in clinical research and care innovation.

Additionally, the survey found that Children’s nurse-to-patient staffing levels continue to be among the nation’s highest. Children’s was also recognized for its designation as a Magnet hospital for excellence in nursing, bestowed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The specialty rankings were weighed on a three-part blend of reputation, outcome, and care-related measures such as nursing care, advanced technology, credentialing, and other factors, including a combination of opinions from pediatric specialists nationwide. A detailed description of the methodology can be found at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitals.

The 2009 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals will be featured in the August issue of U.S. News & World Report, available on newsstands starting July 21.

**********

Serving as Minnesota’s children’s hospital since 1924, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is the seventh -largest pediatric health care organization in the United States, with 332 staffed beds at its two hospitals in St. Paul and Minneapolis. An independent, not-for-profit health care system, Children’s of Minnesota provides care through more than 14,000 inpatient visits and more than 200,000 emergency room and other outpatient visits every year. Children’s is the only Minnesota hospital system to provide comprehensive care exclusively to children and in 2008 it was ranked among the best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.