
Children's hospitals are medical facilities that offer their services exclusively to children and adolescents, usually from birth to the age of 18-21. They first emerged in the 19th century in France and England and were designed to provide optimal care to infants, children, and adolescents in a specific environment where parents were admitted and where the special needs of children were catered for. There are more than 200 children's hospitals in the US, with Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX, ranked as the number one children's hospital in the country as of June 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Children's Hospitals in the US | Approximately 470 |
| Age Group | Birth to 21 years old |
| Hospitals by State | California (over 120), Texas (79), Missouri, Louisiana, and Minnesota (20-30), North Dakota, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming (lowest) |
| Hospitals by City | Houston (over 80 Texas Children's Hospital locations) |
| Services | Pediatric and women's health, neonatal critical care, pediatric cancer care, organ transplantation, etc. |
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What You'll Learn

California has the most children's hospitals
Children's hospitals are medical facilities that provide healthcare services exclusively to children and adolescents, usually up to the age of 21. These hospitals are designed with children in mind, with specialised staff, allied health professionals, and technology tailored to children's needs. They also place a strong emphasis on providing psychosocial support to young patients and their families.
In the United States, there are over 200 children's hospitals, with California boasting a significant number of them. California is home to several renowned children's hospitals, including:
- Valley Children's Healthcare in Madera
- Miller Children's and Women's Hospital in Long Beach
- Children's Hospital of Orange County in Orange
These hospitals are recognised for their excellence in paediatric healthcare and have earned accolades for their specialised services. For instance, the Children's Hospital of Orange County is ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for paediatric cardiology and heart surgery, offering life-saving procedures such as heart transplants and complex surgeries for congenital heart defects.
California's prominence in paediatric healthcare extends beyond the quantity of children's hospitals. The state is also a leader in medical innovation and research, with many hospitals advancing the health and well-being of children through cutting-edge treatments and technologies. This concentration of specialised healthcare resources reflects California's commitment to ensuring the best possible care for its youngest residents and establishing itself as a hub for paediatric medical excellence.
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Texas has the second-most
Children's hospitals are medical facilities that offer their services exclusively to children and adolescents. They are designed with children in mind and have specialists, allied health professionals, and technology for children that may not be available in other hospitals. In the United States, there are over 200 children's hospitals, and Texas has the second-most children's hospitals in the country.
Texas is home to several renowned children's hospitals, including the top-ranked Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. This hospital has the highest net patient revenue in the nation, with over $2.8 billion, and also leads in the number of discharges and staffed beds. Texas Children's Hospital is known for its excellent medical care and innovative treatments, making it a leader in pediatric healthcare.
In addition to Texas Children's Hospital, there are several other notable children's hospitals in Texas. One such example is the Children's Medical Center Dallas-Scottish Rite, which is recognized for its expertise in orthopedic and sports medicine. This hospital is part of the Scottish Rite system, which has a long history of providing specialized care for children.
The proliferation of children's hospitals in Texas can be attributed to various factors, including the state's large population and geographic size. Texas is the second-largest state in terms of population, with over 29 million residents, and has a diverse demographic makeup. This diverse population includes a significant number of children, with Texas ranking high in terms of the percentage of residents under the age of 18.
Furthermore, Texas has a strong healthcare infrastructure and a reputation for medical innovation. The state is home to several prestigious medical schools and research institutions, fostering a culture of advancement in pediatric medicine. The combination of a large and diverse population, a focus on healthcare, and a supportive environment for medical development has contributed to the establishment and success of children's hospitals in Texas.
Texas's commitment to pediatric healthcare is evident in the range of services offered by its children's hospitals. These facilities provide comprehensive care for various health conditions, including cancer treatment, cardiology, diabetes management, gastrointestinal issues, nephrology, neurology, and orthopedic specialties. The hospitals in Texas also prioritize the psychosocial support of children and their families, recognizing the importance of addressing the emotional and social aspects of healthcare. Play and teaching staff are integral parts of the care team, ensuring that children's emotional and developmental needs are met during their hospital stays.
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Missouri, Louisiana, and Minnesota have 20-30
There are more than 200 children's hospitals in the United States, with the Children's Hospital Association being the national voice for these hospitals. Missouri, Louisiana, and Minnesota are home to 20 to 30 of these hospitals.
Children's Minnesota, a non-profit organization, has two hospitals, nine primary care clinics, six rehabilitation sites, and nine specialty care sites in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. They have been providing pediatric care for 100 years and are on a mission to deliver highly specialized and deeply compassionate healthcare tailored specifically for children. They also have a podcast called Talking Pediatrics, where they discuss complex pediatric issues.
In Louisiana, the Department of Health has initiatives like TLC Moms, which offers support, resources, and a path to mental and emotional wellness for mothers, families, and caregivers facing pregnancy or postpartum depression and anxiety. The Louisiana WIC program provides nutritious food benefits, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, and beans. The state also has a Children's Hospital that is part of the Louisiana Department of Health.
Missouri, known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, is home to several children's hospitals. While the exact number of children's hospitals in Missouri is not readily available, it contributes to the 20 to 30 count between Missouri, Louisiana, and Minnesota. Missouri is known for its commitment to providing quality healthcare and has several medical centers and healthcare providers dedicated to serving the community.
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Texas Children's Hospital is highly ranked
Children's hospitals are medical facilities that offer their services exclusively to children and adolescents, usually up to the age of 21. They are designed with children in mind and have specialists, allied health professionals, and technology for children that may not be found in other hospitals. Texas Children's Hospital is one such hospital that has consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation.
Texas Children's Hospital is the number one children's hospital in Texas and is rated as the third-best nationally in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 Best Children's Hospitals. It is also a Best Children's Hospitals Honor Roll hospital, recognized for its high-quality care and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The hospital has been ranked the best pediatric hospital in the state for 15 consecutive years and has earned the U.S. News Honor Roll distinction.
Texas Children's Hospital is a leader in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery care, ranking first in the nation in this specialty for seven consecutive years. It is also highly regarded in other specialties, with all ten of its subspecialties ranking within the top ten. The hospital is known for its dedication to research, which has led to numerous discoveries and advancements in pediatric healthcare. It has a comprehensive range of facilities, including the Texas Children's Duncan NRI, the Feigin Tower for pediatric research, and the Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, which focuses on high-risk births.
The hospital's evaluation includes data from its West Campus and The Woodlands location, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston. Texas Children's Hospital also has a global health program and Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics, which specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children. The hospital serves 4.3 million annual patients from all 50 states and nearly 60 countries across over 90 locations.
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Children's hospitals perform 97% of organ transplants and are essential for paediatric care and innovation
Children's hospitals are essential for paediatric care and innovation. They are designed with children in mind and have specialists, allied health professionals, and technology for children that may not be found in other hospitals. In the US, children's hospitals perform 97% of all organ transplants and 90% of all paediatric cancer care. They also provide care for children with rare illnesses, allowing for continuity of care from childhood into adulthood.
The number of children's hospitals proliferated in the 20th century as paediatric medical and surgical specialties separated from internal medicine and adult surgical specialties. Children's hospitals are distinct in that they offer greater attention to the psychosocial support of children and their families. This includes access to play and teaching staff, as well as local partnerships that can provide trips to local botanical gardens, zoos, and public libraries.
Children's hospitals also play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and innovation. For example, the Pediatric Transplant Center at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford is a national transplant leader with more than 30 years of experience performing paediatric organ transplants. They have conducted research in partnership with the Stanford University School of Medicine and have implemented innovative approaches to kidney transplantation that prevent the need for long-term immune-suppressing drugs.
In addition to Stanford, several other children's hospitals in the US are making significant contributions to paediatric care and innovation. For instance, the first paediatric heart-lung transplant was performed at a children's hospital in 1988, and since then, they have performed more than 85 paediatric lung and heart-lung transplants. Furthermore, children's hospitals are at the forefront of surgical technique development, such as coelioscopic and robotic surgeries, which have transformed the morbidity and mortality of many diseases, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia and intestinal atresia.
Children's hospitals are essential for ensuring that children receive the best possible care and have access to innovative treatments and technologies. Their focus on paediatric care and their dedication to research and innovation make them invaluable resources for children and their families.
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Frequently asked questions
There are more than 200 children's hospitals in the US, with sources stating there could be more than 270.
Children's hospitals cater to children from birth to young adults, typically up to 18 or 21 years old.
Children's hospitals are designed specifically for children, with healthcare professionals trained to be mindful of a child's physical and cognitive differences from adults. They also place greater emphasis on the psychosocial support of children and their families.

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