A hospital is a large medical care facility that provides around-the-clock emergency and non-emergency medical and nursing services. Patients with serious or complicated health issues may stay in the hospital for extended periods of time under continuous observation and care. Hospitals are staffed by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who have the training and resources to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They are also equipped to handle emergencies and complex surgeries.
Some hospitals specialize in specific areas, such as orthopedics, cancer treatment, or maternity services. Others focus on research through affiliations with university medical schools. Teaching hospitals train future doctors and nurses while conducting clinical trials to help develop new treatments and procedures.
Hospitals are a necessary part of any country’s healthcare system. In developed nations, they are a vital safety net for citizens who cannot afford private or individual health insurance coverage. There are over 5,000 hospitals in the United States, ranging from general community hospitals to teaching facilities with extensive research and training programs, federal hospitals for military veterans, and mental health and long-term rehabilitative facilities.
Most hospitals accept health insurance, and most offer financial assistance through income-based programs. However, many people still pay out-of-pocket for their visits, especially if they need short-term care for an illness or injury. Unlike clinics, which are usually less expensive and provide routine preventative care, a hospital is more suited to sick patients who require close monitoring and constant care.