St. Louis – (September 15, 2026) – SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has once again been recognized among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals, marking its 13th consecutive year of national distinction. For the 2026-2027 rankings, Cardinal Glennon earned national recognition in five pediatric specialties: cardiology and heart surgery, gastroenterology and gastroenterology surgery, nephrology, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology.
These rankings reflect the hospital’s steadfast commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care for children and families. They also serve as a trusted resource for physicians, providers, and families seeking the highest quality pediatric care.
"Being recognized once again among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals is a testament to the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and expertise of our physicians, nurses, caregivers, and staff," said Dr. Hossain Marandi, President of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. "Every day, they bring our mission to life by caring for children and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. This recognition belongs to each member of our team and reflects their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care. While we are honored by this achievement, our greatest focus remains on the future. As we are preparing to open our new state-of-the-art children’s hospital in 2027, we are continuing to invest in clinical excellence, innovation, research, and an exceptional family experience. Guided by our mission and inspired by the trust families place in us, we remain committed to building a healthier future for children across St. Louis and beyond."
For more than 70 years, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has been a source of hope, healing, and compassionate care for children and families throughout the region. Rooted in its faith-based mission, the hospital combines leading-edge medicine with a deep commitment to caring for the whole child and supporting every family it serves. As Cardinal Glennon looks ahead to the opening of its new children’s hospital in 2027, it remains dedicated to advancing pediatric care, expanding access, and transforming the health and well-being of children for generations to come.
U.S. News & World Report, in collaboration with RTI International, evaluated data from children’s hospitals across the country and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Hospitals earning a Best Children’s Hospitals designation demonstrated excellence in clinical outcomes, patient-centered resources, and reputation among pediatric specialists.
About SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Since 1956, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital has offered the highest level of care as the country’s only free-standing, non-profit Catholic pediatric hospital. Located in St. Louis, MO, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon provides hope to thousands of children with complex conditions from Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. A member of SSM Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country, the 195-bed teaching hospital is staffed by SLUCare physicians affiliated with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Since 2013, U.S. News & World Report has recognized SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s as a Best Children’s Hospital.
About SSM Health
Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s more than 40,000 team members and more than 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and& LinkedIn.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
