C.S. Mott Children's Hospital named to Parents Magazine's 10 Best Children's Hospitals list

University of Michigan's hospital ranked eighth in the nation for overall pediatric and specialty care, only Michigan hospital in top 10

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parents magazine today announced its exclusive list of 10 Best Children's Hospitals, ranking the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital eighth in the nation. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital was the only Michigan hospital ranked in the top 10.

The list provides the most comprehensive family focused data-driven comparison of pediatric facilities.  In compiling the list, Parents focused on key areas including treatment success, groundbreaking research and family-friendly facilities.

The 10 Best Hospitals list will appear in the March 2013 issue of Parents on newsstands nationwide on February 12 as well as online at parents.com/best-hospitals-2013.

"This is a major point of pride for our Health System, for the State of Michigan and for everyone who helped make the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital a reality, including our patient and family partners," says Ora H. Pescovitz, M.D., executive vice president for medical affairs of the University of Michigan and chief executive officer of the U-M Health System.

"I am incredibly proud of our talented faculty and staff who discover and deliver the best and most advanced care for children – this honor belongs to them."

Chris Dickinson, M.D., interim executive director of C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and professor of pediatrics, adds "We are thrilled to be recognized by a magazine trusted by so many parents for advice on raising healthy children."

"It is gratifying to be recognized for the top-notch care we provide, as well as for our groundbreaking research conducted by our faculty that truly changes the way pediatric diseases are treated around the world," Dickinson says.

Parents also looked for family-friendly facilities in its ranking. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital opened its new 348-bed building in December 2011. The new hospital features many patient and family-centered amenities like private rooms, family exercise facilities, an in-house Ronald McDonald house, playrooms and lounges with laundry and kitchen facilities, on-demand food, and internet and in-room movies.

"At C.S. Mott, the new building has given us a great place to do the great work that our doctors and nurses provide each and every day to the children we serve," says Valerie P. Castle, professor and chair of the department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases.

"But this ranking also highlights our commitment to researching new and better ways to combat the diseases that afflict children worldwide. As one of the nation's leading children's hospitals in NIH funding to research pediatric disease, we are proud of our discoveries and scientific programs that improve children's health."

The hospitals on the list were ranked by Parents editors, with input from a team of medical advisors, based on their responses to detailed questions in the following areas: survival rates for childhood cancer, pediatric heart disease, and other critical conditions; experience in performing certain complex procedures; depth of the research program; safeguards to prevent medical errors; staffing ratios and quality; community outreach; and services that address the emotional needs of families of patients. All surveyed hospitals are members of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions.

"Making an informed decision about your child's health care can be overwhelming, especially in the face of a serious illness," says Dana Points, editor in chief of Parents. "We created this guide with the hope of making it easier to find a great hospital when you need one most."  

About C.S. Mott Children's Hospital: Since 1903, the University of Michigan has led the way in providing comprehensive, specialized health care for children. From leading-edge heart surgery that's performed in the womb to complete emergency care that's there when you need it, families from all over come to the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital for our pediatric expertise. For more information, go to www.mottchildren.org

About Parents:
Parents was founded in 1926 and, along with American Baby, FamilyFun and Ser Padres, makes up The Meredith Parents Network portfolio of parenthood brands.  Parents is the leading voice for a community of more than 15 million moms who are engaged and inspired by the brand's trusted content. In turn, these moms enlighten and inspire others by joining ongoing conversations about parenthood via Parents.com as well through Parents' robust presence on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.  Parents is dedicated to engaging and inspiring moms with the information they need, wherever they go.

SOURCE C.S. Mott Children's Hospital