A hospital is a medical facility that provides diagnosis and treatment to sick or injured patients. Hospitals are staffed by professional physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. Some hospitals specialize in particular diseases or types of care. Others have special units, such as a children’s hospital or a trauma center. Hospitals also perform research to advance medicine and patient care. Some hospitals have outpatient departments and urgent care centers, while others have inpatient services. Hospitals may be part of a larger healthcare system or independently owned and operated.
The definition of hospital has evolved over time. In the past, many hospitals were run by religious orders or volunteers. Today, most are staffed by paid professionals. However, many religious groups still focus on hospital ministry and provide support services at some hospitals.
Choosing the right hospital can make a big difference in your health and recovery. A good hospital has strong health care teams that reduce infections, put checks in place to prevent mistakes, and ensure a smooth flow of information between staff members and with patients and families. But not all hospitals are created equal, and the quality of care varies greatly. Some are highly rated by respected health care watchdogs, like The Leapfrog Group. These hospitals are ranked on metrics such as how often they deliver babies safely, how well they manage high-risk surgeries, and how promptly they respond to medical emergencies.
Some hospitals also have specialty programs, such as a children’s hospital, cancer center, or burn unit. These are designed to treat a specific type of patient, and they may have extra equipment and dedicated doctors.
Other hospitals call themselves teaching hospitals and use their facilities to train doctors and nurses. These hospitals are a critical resource for our communities, and they also help us get better care in the future.
If you are considering a new doctor, ask about their experience in different hospitals. They may be able to recommend a hospital that has excellent outcomes for patients with your condition. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, and look at websites that rate hospitals.
When selecting a hospital, make sure it is included in your health insurance coverage. Also, be sure to find out if the hospital is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body.
Visiting hours at hospitals vary, but most allow visitors whenever the patient wants them. Some areas, such as the operating room and emergency rooms, limit visits for safety reasons. Generally, a patient should only have visitors who are healthy and free of contagious disease. To avoid spreading germs, wash your hands frequently, and don’t touch the patient or their bed. You should also wash your clothes and shoes before entering a hospital, and wash them again when you leave. You should also be aware that some hospitals have restrictions on who can visit a patient, based on their condition or whether they are an inpatient. These restrictions should be discussed with the patient ahead of time.