The 2026-2027 rankings, developed in partnership with RTI International, evaluated 114 hospitals based on clinical outcomes, safety protocols, and resource quality. Beyond its national standing, Seattle Children's holds the top spot in Washington state and shares the number one ranking for the Pacific region, which encompasses Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

Dr. Christopher A. Longhurst, CEO of Seattle Children's, attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of the medical staff. The hospital performed well across all evaluated specialties, with four specific departments—Cancer, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery—placing within the top 10 nationally. These rankings serve as a resource for families navigating serious illnesses, providing a benchmark for clinical excellence and patient safety standards.