A hospital is a medical facility that provides around-the-clock monitoring and care of patients. A patient may be admitted to the hospital for any number of reasons, including a broken bone, heart attack, or cancer. During their stay, patients are monitored by staff and doctors who administer medications, perform tests and procedures, and help to manage the symptoms of a particular health condition. When a patient’s condition improves to the point that they no longer need inpatient care, they are discharged from the hospital. Discharge instructions typically include follow-up appointments with various doctors and continued treatment at home with prescribed medications and therapy services.
A hospital can be large or small and include a variety of different facilities and departments. It is also possible for a hospital to specialize in certain types of care, such as pediatrics, oncology, or cardiology. Many hospitals also offer emergency rooms, intensive care units, and labor and delivery services. A hospital’s staff members can include physicians, nurses, and technicians. Some hospitals are even equipped with their own ambulance service.
When most people think of a hospital, they probably picture a general hospital that is well-equipped to handle most types of illness and injury. This type of hospital usually has several wards that house beds for inpatients, as well as operating theaters and intensive care units. In larger cities, it is not unusual for a district hospital to be the main healthcare facility for an entire region.
Hospitals have a long history of providing medical care. They have developed over time from monasteries that cared for the sick and injured to modern healthcare institutions. After the Dissolution of the monasteries in England in the 16th century, the concept of hospital evolved into a secular one. Private donors and local businesses began to provide the financial support that allowed hospitals to flourish.
In the United States, there are over 5,000 hospitals ranging from general community hospitals to teaching hospitals with research and training programs. There are also federal hospitals for military personnel and veterans, mental health hospitals, long-term rehabilitative hospitals, and specialty hospitals. Some of the finest hospitals in the world are known for their innovation and dedication to patient care.
When you visit a hospital, be sure to wash your hands before and after touching anything. The hospital may also restrict visitors for various reasons, including infection control practices and avoiding exposure to radiation hazards. Some treatment areas, such as operation suites and the emergency room, are off limits to visitors. When visiting a patient, be mindful of their needs and respect their privacy.