Hospitals, Long Term Care and Specialty Services

Hospitals provide a range of treatments and patient care for all types of medical illness, mental illness, injury and conditions. Hospitals often provide patients with long term care but they also provide short emergency medical care as well. In most cases, hospitals are funded publicly, by health organizations or health insurance companies to provide medical care.


These facilities are staffed by physicians, surgeons, nurses and a range of workers including volunteers and religious workers to provide care. There are thousands of hospitals located throughout the world, in every state and country. Hospitals may diagnose and treat various medical conditions, they provide therapy and outpatient services as well as long term inpatient care for individuals who suffer from disease, injury or other health conditions.


Types of Hospitals


The most common types of hospitals include general hospitals, district hospitals, specialized hospitals, teaching hospitals and clinics. Each provides a range of services and care for patients on both a long and short term basis. Whether patients go to the hospital for treatment of a condition or disease or they go there to be diagnosed, if they are there for therapy or surgery or another form of medical care, hospitals distinguish themselves from other medical facilities by being able to provide a range of medical services both on an emergency and non-emergency basis.


General hospitals are the most well known type of hospital and probably the most common. A general hospital is able to provide treatment for many diseases and various injuries. These facilities also provide emergency care that can help patients deal with immediate health conditions or threats. Many general hospitals also have their own ambulatory services, especially those in larger metropolitan areas.


District hospitals typically are the primary care facility within a region. Most major cities include a district hospital where a large number of patients can be served. Intensive care and long term care is provided at these facilities. Most district hospitals provide specialized services including childbirth, laboratory services, surgery and plastic surgery.


Specialized hospitals such as trauma centers and children's hospitals provide specialized services to meet individual and unique needs. Children's hospitals provide pediatric care including surgery services, x-rays and various other medical services for children. Geriatric hospitals can provide help for seniors or the elderly. Additionally, psychiatric hospitals provide help for individuals with various psychological or mental health conditions.


Teaching hospitals provide a place for patients to get help and treatment and also a place where medical students can learn. These hands on facilities teach medical students and nurses to prepare them for work following their certification. Many teaching hospitals are linked to university medical schools or nursing schools.


Services Provided by Hospitals


The list of services that are provided by hospitals is very long. From inpatient care, surgery and emergency care to outpatient care, these facilities provide help for every medical condition and mental health condition imaginable. Hospitals differ in the types of services that they offer and the types of departments that are at each facility.


Many hospitals have acute services which include emergency departments, trauma care units, burn units and surgery centers as well as urgent care facilities. Additionally, some have specialist units within the facility that can provide cardiology care, coronary care, intensive care and cancer care. Many hospitals now specialize in oncology and various types of care for cancer and other diseases.


Support units are also found in hospitals. These units provide support for various hospital functions and needs such as radiology, pharmacy or medical records departments. Additional support departments include a hospital cafeteria or dining services, security departments and maintenance as well as laundry and housekeeping.