Prepared Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate President Pro Tempore
“University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital”
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital continues to set the standard for pediatric care in our state and region.
In the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report, Iowa Stead Family was ranked number 1 in Iowa and number 12 in the Midwest under “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings.
Stead Family Children’s Hospital has appeared in rankings every year since the U.S. News & World Report launched them in 2007.
These rankings reflect more than numbers; they represent the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, compassionate and innovative care.
Stead is home to Iowa’s only Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, offering the highest levels of critical and emergency care.
In 2020, Stead Family also earned the Gold Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the world’s largest specialty nursing organization.
This award recognizes hospital units that exemplify exceptional patient care, strong leadership and a sustained commitment to safety and quality.
Achieving the Gold-level designation reflects Stead Family’s success in fostering an environment where collaboration, evidence-based practice and compassionate care thrive.
The University of Iowa hospitals and clinics have also maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence in 2008, 2013, 2018 and 2023.
The Magnet Recognition Program is considered the gold standard for nursing quality. Fewer than 10% of hospitals in the United States have earned this distinction, and even fewer have achieved redesignation multiple times.
Each of these recognitions affirms what Iowans already know – Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is a place of hope, healing and leadership.
The future of children’s health in Iowa is bright, thanks to the tireless work of everyone at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
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