U.S. News ranks UI Children’s Hospital in eight specialties

The University of Iowa's Children's Hospital has been ranked among the top 50 in the nation in eight specialty areas, according to new U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2014-15.

The organization surveyed 183 pediatric centers by obtaining clinical data in 10 specialty areas and asking 150 pediatric specialists in each area where they would send the sickest children. Of that total, 89 hospitals ranked in at least one category.

The UI Children's Hospital achieved its highest ranking in nephrology at No. 20. It also ranked No. 26 in neurology and neurosurgery, No. 30 in neonatology, No. 32 in orthopedics, No. 42 in cancer and in diabetes and endocrinology, No. 45 in cardiology and heart surgery, and No. 46 in pulmonolgy.

It was the only hospital in Iowa to make the rankings, according to Raphael Hirsch, physician-in-chief of UI's Children's Hospital and chair and department executive officer of the UI Stead Family Department of Pediatrics.

'This ranking reflects the dedication and determination of our team and their expertise,' Hirsch said in a news release. 'Many of the families we care for are on a journey they didn't plan on, and it's rewarding to know that we can be there for them at a time when they need us most.

'Everyone who interacts with the families loves what they do and cares deeply about children.'

Last year, the UI Children's Hospital ranked in seven categories, including nephrology at No. 25, orthopedics at No. 27 and cancer at No. 30.

U.S. News debuted the children's hospital rankings in 2007. A majority of the scores rely on patient outcomes and care-related resources at each hospital.

'We know how important it is to parents to have confidence in pediatric centers that show dedication and expertise in caring for a child facing a life-threatening, rare or demanding illness,' said U.S. News Health Rankings editor Avery Comarow.

The UI is building a $292 million Children's Hospital, scheduled for completion in March 2016. It is being funded through bonds, patient revenue and private gifts and will include 480,000 square feet of new construction and 56,250 square feet of renovated space.

Plans for the 14-floor hospital include expanding existing programs and developing new services with the goal of helping families be 'safe and healthy at home, in school and in the community.'

More information on hospital survival rates, adequacy of nursing staff, and procedure volume can be found via U.S. News & World Report at http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatric-rankings.

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