St. Jude Children's Research Hospital named as a top cancer care hospital by national magazine survey

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Feb 04, 2013, 10:33 ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been named one of the best cancer care hospitals in the country by Parents magazine. The results, based on the magazine's survey of more than 60 children's hospitals, appear in the March 2013 issue.

"Being recognized is always a great honor, especially since our focus on some of the toughest pediatric cancers often makes comparisons difficult," said Dr. William E. Evans, St. Jude director and CEO. "This recognition is a tribute to the tireless dedication of all of our physicians, researchers and staff who help families facing the most challenging times imaginable."

Based on published research data, St. Jude has the best worldwide outcomes in a number of pediatric cancer categories, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and medulloblastoma. "Our strategic plan focuses our efforts on two ambitious goals: improving pediatric cancer cure rates and improving long-term quality of life for survivors," Evans said.

St. Jude was ranked No. 2 in the cancer care hospital category. "Among our points of pride are the depth of the comprehensive care we provide and the highest nurse-to-patient ratio in the nation," said Joseph Laver, M.D., St. Jude clinical director and executive vice president. "But, perhaps most meaningful to our patient care staff is the high satisfaction of our patient families." St. Jude's patient satisfaction scores exceed national averages, with the hospital earning a perfect 100 percent overall satisfaction rating for its outpatient services in the most recent NRC Picker survey.

"These families are our inspiration, and we work hard to engage them in our everyday discussions on how to enhance their experiences," Laver said.

The hospitals on the list were ranked based on their voluntary responses to a set of detailed questions regarding survival rates, experience in performing complex procedures, research programs, safeguards to prevent medical errors, staffing ratios and quality, community outreach and services that address the emotional needs of patients' families.

The magazine also chose the top children's hospitals for orthopedic care, pulmonary care, heart care, preemie care and emergency care. A complete list of the best children's hospitals by specialty can be found at www.parentsmag.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital's research has helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 20 percent when the institution opened to almost 80 percent today. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, and no family ever pays St. Jude for anything. For more information, visit www.stjude.org. Follow us on Twitter @StJudeResearch.

SOURCE St. Jude Children's Research Hospital