Published: October 7, 2025
Norton Children’s has been named Kentucky’s No. 1 children’s hospital and ranked nationally in eight specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2025-2026.
Norton Children’s nationally ranked specialties include:
The recognition comes on the heels of Norton Children’s announced plans for a new 150-acre pediatric health campus in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, which will include the region’s second full-service children’s hospital. Leaders say the rankings highlight the strength Norton Children’s already brings and what the new campus will build on.
“This honor reflects the incredible work of our team,” said Russell Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare, the not-for-profit parent organization of Norton Children’s. “We are dedicated to providing nationally ranked specialties, advanced research and outcomes that our patients and families deserve. The new campus will help us build on this tremendous momentum and create a national destination for care.”
U.S. News collected and analyzed data from 118 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Children’s hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, compliance with established best practices, and level and quality of hospital resources directly related to patients.
“Being ranked by U.S. News & World Report is an honor and shows the extraordinary commitment of our physicians, nurses and employees,” said Mark McDonald, M.D., medical director and system vice president, Pediatric Medical Affairs, Norton Children’s Hospital. “Their tireless dedication to caring for kids made this recognition possible. It’s also a reminder and an inspiration to keep striving higher for the children who count on us every day.”
Last year, Norton Children’s served more than 215,000 patients from all 120 Kentucky counties and dozens in Indiana. As the need for pediatric care continues to grow, the health system is focused on expanding access across the state and region. “Being ranked among the best is a powerful validation of the passion and expertise our Norton Children’s team brings to families every day,” said Diane Scardino, chief administrative officer, Norton Children’s Hospital. “It’s about building a vision where families throughout Kentucky and Indiana can count on world-class care right here at home.”