definition
strict definition
hospital
A medical facility for intensive treatment and emergency care, with beds for extended patient stays.
A hospital is a place for intensive care and treatment of medical patients, with facilities for long-term stays. Hospitals are generally equipped to treat a variety of medical emergencies, and also to provide extended care for ailments that require intensive medical supervision.
Often some religious affiliation can be assigned to a hospital.
The combination of treatment and facilities for longer stays distinguishes the hospital from an outpatient office. Ownership, teaching activity, and particular patient groups provide more specific hospital distinctions.
