The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been ranked the best hospital for children for the fifth consecutive year by U.S.News & World Report. A detailed ranking of the finest pediatric facilities in the United States is published in the publication's first stand-alone "America's Best Children's Hospitals" issue.

"When a child is sick, parents and caregivers need access to the most current and helpful information to ensure their child gets the best care possible," said Steven M. Altschuler, M.D. president and chief executive officer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "We commend U.S.News & World Report for taking a closer look at children's healthcare to help make the search more straightforward and we congratulate our fellow pediatric hospitals."

In the past, U.S.News & World Report issued a reputation only score for pediatric hospitals based on a 200-physician survey. The rankings this year reflect a new three-part mix of reputation, death rate, and care-related factors as volume, nursing care, advanced technology, and recognition by outside organizations. The exclusive data will be published in the magazine's September 3 issue, on newsstands Monday, August 27.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was also named the number one children's hospital four consecutive times by a comprehensive data-based study conducted by Child magazine. In 2004, Children's Hospital was also awarded Magnet status, the nursing profession's highest national recognition by the American Nursing Credentialing Center.

For more information or to schedule an interview or for photos or b-roll please contact Joey McCool at (267) 426.6070 or mccool@email.chop.edu.

About The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country, ranking third in National Institutes of Health funding. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 430-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents.

Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Web site: http://www.chop.edu/