Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA ranks among the nation's top pediatric hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2008 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals, published online at www.usnews.com/pediatrics and in the magazine's June 9 issue.
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 hospitals in seven individual specialties. Nationally, Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA ranked No. 16 for pediatric care in general. UCLA also ranked in the top 20 in the following specialties: cancer (No. 18); digestive disorders (No. 10); heart & heart surgery (No. 20); and neurology & neurosurgery (No. 14).
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.
"We are proud to offer our young patients world-class medicine, cutting-edge research, and a healing family-centered approach at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA," said the hospital's physician-in-chief, Dr. Edward R.B. McCabe, who holds the Mattel Executive Endowed Chair in UCLA's Department of Pediatrics. "It is truly an honor, and salute to our incredibly dedicated medical staff and health care team, to be named as one of the leading children's hospitals in the country, and one of the best in Southern California."
Ranking-eligible facilities were largely drawn from members of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) in either of two categories-a freestanding children's hospital, or in UCLA's case, a children's "hospital within a hospital" (a large, multidisciplinary pediatric service within a medical center).
In addition, several non-NACHRI members were added because of known expertise or at the recommendation of experts. Of the 143 children's hospitals invited to complete a survey asking for information as detailed as to whether a center offers postgraduate fellowships in pediatric cardiology, 113 responded. The survey was constructed by RTI International, which collects the data and oversees the methodology behind the adult Best Hospitals rankings.
"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."
Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, one of the highest-rated children's hospitals in Southern California, is a vital component of UCLA Medical Center, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the third best hospital in nation and best in the Western United States. Mattel Children's Hospital offers a full spectrum of primary and specialized medical care for infants, children and adolescents. The hospital's mission is to provide state-of-the-art treatment for children in a compassionate atmosphere, as well as to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric diseases. For more information, visit www.uclahealth.org/mattel.
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