DMC's Children's Hospital Named One Of Best In Country

DETROIT (WWJ) - Children's Hospital of Michigan has been ranked as one of the nation's best by U.S. News and World Report.

The report collects clinical and operational data from a lengthy survey, completed by the majority of the 177 hospitals asked to participate for the 2011-12 rankings.

The survey asks hundreds of questions about survival rates, nurse staffing, subspecialist availability, and many more pieces of critical information difficult or impossible for those in charge of a child's care to find on their own.

The data from the survey is combined with recommendations from pediatric specialists on the hospitals they consider best for children with challenging problems.

Chief of Staff Doctor Herman Gray said the entire staff is thrilled about their ranking.

"Each year the methodology is a little different and this year out of the 10 specialties that they ranked, Children's Hospital of Michigan ranked nine out of the 10, as to what is best in the country," Dr. Gray said.

The nine categories Children's Hospital took top billing in are Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology, Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology and Urology, where the hospital received its highest ranking.

Children's Hospital of Michigan sees more patients than any other hospital in the state and offers more than 40 pediatric medical and surgical specialties with outpatient specialty centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

"We're very excited. It really is a testament to the extraordinary work and caring that our docs and other caregivers provide here in the hospital," Dr. Gray said.

For the full rankings and methodology, visit www.usnews.com.