For the 15th consecutive year, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital has placed among the nation's best in pediatric care in a widely watched ranking.
Reflecting broad excellence, the hospital was recognized in six pediatric subspecialty areas in the annual Best Children's Hospitals assessment published today by U.S. News & World Report. They are: neonatology; cancer; gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery; nephrology; neurology and neurosurgery, and orthopaedics.
"This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment and teamwork of our exceptional physicians, nurses, therapists and health care professionals who provide world-class pediatric care," said Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System. "At UCLA Health, we focus on supporting the whole family to ensure the best health outcomes for pediatric patients."
The assessment is based on clinical data and a national survey of pediatric specialists. The factors in patient outcomes, available clinical resources and compliance with best practices, among other considerations. U.S. News gathered data from children's hospitals in early 2020 and from pediatric physicians and other healthcare organizations in 2021; because of the pandemic, data collection from children's hospitals was not repeated in 2021.
"From the most complex conditions and state-of-the-art therapies to more frequent well-child and preventive care, we provide a full range of medical services to children in a compassionate, family-centered environment," said Sherin Devaskar, MD, physician-in-chief of Mattel Children's Hospital and holder of UCLA's Mattel Executive Endowed Chair in the department of pediatrics.
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital pediatric subspecialty areas have consistently performed well since the Best Children's Hospitals ranking debuted in 2007.
The hospital is located within Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on UCLA's campus in the Westwood area of Los Angeles. UCLA Health also offers general and specialty pediatric care at multiple locations across Southern California.
"When choosing a hospital for a sick child, many parents want specialized expertise, convenience and caring medical professionals," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. "The Best Children's Hospitals rankings have always highlighted hospitals that excel in specialized care. As the pandemic continues to affect travel, finding high-quality care close to home has never been more important."
