Rainbow Babies NICU Ranks #2 in Country
Rainbow Babies Ranked as a Top 5 Children’s Hospital

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Rainbow in Top 5

Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital at University Hospitals Case Medical Center is once again ranked as a top five children’s hospital (#5) by U.S. News & World Report. This year, the first time the publication ranked pediatric subspecialties, Rainbow ranked #2 in neonatal care/NICU and among the top 10 in the country for neurology/neurosurgery and respiratory disorders. Rainbow is in the top 25 for all six subspecialties.

“We are so pleased and proud to be ranked so highly among our peer pediatric institutions,” said Michael Farrell, president of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and MacDonald Women’s Hospital.  “This year, U.S. News evolved their methodology to look at subspecialties, in an effort to show where parents should turn for the best care for their children. These rankings are really an honor and tribute to the dedication of our talented and caring staff, and the NICU ranking is especially exciting for our team.”

“Rainbow’s division of neonatology has long been revered as the pioneers of the specialty, and with some of the best outcomes in the country for decades and a new state-of-the-future art NICU under construction, we are thrilled to be near the top of this prestigious list,” said Avroy A. Fanaroff, M.D., neonatologist and chairman of pediatrics at Rainbow.

As part of UH’s Vision 2010 strategic plan, Rainbow’s new Quentin & Elisabeth Alexander Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will open in early 2009.  The new 40-bed unit will be connected to the current neonatal transitional care unit, and will unite advanced technology, research and clinical services in a home-like environment with private space for parents to sleep at their child’s bedside. 

“Although Rainbow has a rich history of excellence in neonatology, we are always looking toward the future, and how we can continue to enhance the care we provide to our babies,” said Michele Walsh, M.D., medical director of the NICU.  “Our team approach and family-centered philosophy is at the heart of every decision we make, whether it is a patient care decision or something related to the design of the new unit, we are always working together to do what is best for the baby and striving to advance neonatal medicine.  We are very proud to be ranked so highly.” 

In 2007, Rainbow also ranked as the #5 best children’s hospital in the country in the inaugural best children’s hospital issue of U.S. News & World Report.  Previously, pediatrics was ranked (solely on reputation) as a subspecialty in the best hospitals issue every July.  In 2008, they expanded the children’s hospital issue, conducted a thorough survey of outcomes and volumes at the children’s hospitals and ranked six subspecialties within pediatrics – cancer, digestive disorders, heart & heart surgery, neonatal care, neurology & neurosurgery and respiratory disorders.

Rainbow ranked #5 overall and as follows for additional specialties:
#9 – Neurology/Neurosurgery
#10 – Respiratory Disorders
#21 – Digestive Disorders
#23 – Cancer
#24 – Heart & Heart Surgery

A complete list of the children’s hospital rankings will be published in the June 9 issue of U.S. News & World Report. The issue will include a feature story about Rainbow’s expertise in neonatology. The rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/pediatrics.