The hospital is a vital part of any health system and is instrumental in care integration and coordination. It is also a critical source of clinical research.
Pros of a hospital
The main advantage of hospitals is that medical professionals work together to give patients complete attention from start to finish. They provide short-term care for most medical issues and can refer you to specialists if needed. Hospitals can be large or small and serve patients from a wide range of communities and populations. Some of the world’s best hospitals are often referred to as ‘big 4’ hospitals and are known for their quality of care, research, and innovation.
Cons of a hospital
The major drawback to hospitals is the high cost of operations, and the fact that you have to stay in the hospital until your condition improves. There is also the risk of complications and infections.
Hospitals in history
In the early days of Christianity, a hospital was originally a place to shelter sick and poor people. The word originates from the Latin hospitium, which means hospitality. The early Christian church emphasized that caring for the sick was a fundamental duty of all members of the community. During the Middle Ages, hospitals expanded throughout Europe as they developed into medical schools. Hospitals were supported by the church until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540, when they were then funded directly by local citizens.