A hospital is an organization that provides health care to the needy. It includes hospitals, nursing homes and other similar health care facilities. It provides the necessary medical services for patients who cannot manage on their own or do not wish to seek medical attention from family or friends. In other words, a hospital is a place where all those in need of health care are taken care of.
There are two types of hospitals: acute and long-term care. A hospital offers both acute and long-term medical care, depending on the condition of the patient. An acute hospital usually deals with treating acute medical conditions such as heart attacks, wounds, trauma and emergencies. The hospital generally has many different departments including cardiology, psychiatry, neurology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, pulmonary care, psychiatry and trauma.
On the other hand, long-term care hospitals provide long-term or permanent medical care to patients who may have an ailment that will require them to stay in the hospital for a long time. The hospital provides extended medical assistance such as surgery, rehabilitation and other similar long-term medical treatments. Long-term care hospitals also employ health care personnel such as doctors, nurses, therapists and other members. A few of these hospitals also have hospices that offer patient care in the comfort of a patient’s home. Such hospices allow patients to be closer to their families, giving them more comfort and peace of mind.