Many smaller hospitals today offer several specialty centers where patients can receive care for a variety of conditions and diseases. While this is not necessarily a new trend, more small hospitals are offering these types of care units as they have limited resources, and specialization makes better sense for them financially. In Connecticut for example, there are some small community hospitals that offer birthing, breast cancer treatment, cardiology, physical therapy and surgery centers. These centers offer many ancillary services such as educational classes and wellness programs. Whether one seeks healthcare in Connecticut or elsewhere, some smaller hospitals may offer specialized units that can provide expert level services.
Birthing centers are one type of unit that some hospitals offer which surpass typical maternity care wings. Some hospitals offer suites to mothers-to-be and family so the mother is comfortable and family members can be present at the birth. These services are just part of what some hospitals offer. Many provide Lamaze classes, parenting courses and infertility services so all stages of the birth and parenting process are addressed.
State-of-the-art cardiology units are offered in many of the small and mid-size hospitals around the country. The services range from preventative to rehabilitative. They offer many modern tests and treatments; some of them are non-invasive in nature. These cardiology centers provide many services for patients with a range of cardiology needs, such as stress testing and EKGs. Their rehab services include monitored exercise programs and individual and group educational classes.
Another important unit that some of the small to mid-size hospitals specialize in is physical therapy. These centers often include sports therapy care and also occupational therapy services. These centers offer one-to-one services customized for each patient’s needs. Trained therapists provide evaluations and goal setting so each patient can work on an individualized treatment plan to get back to an active life as soon as possible. Sometimes patients are encouraged to continue with the hospital’s fitness program after therapy ends, if it matches the goals for the patient.
Breast cancer specialty centers are located at many large and small hospitals across the country. Some of the smaller hospitals offer exceptional breast cancer treatment programs. The tests provided include mammography, biopsy, ultrasounds and more. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy, reconstruction and surgery. These units are designed to provide state-of-the-art services and a comfortable, supportive atmosphere for patients.
While the larger hospitals in the United States usually offer comprehensive care it is worth noting that smaller community hospitals continue to specialize. Many of them are becoming known for specific types of care, and feature birthing, cancer, physical therapy, cardiology and sleep center units. Patients in smaller cities and surrounding areas can be thankful that these small to mid-size hospitals have dedicated themselves to outstanding patient care.
Jeff Peters offers his thoughts on hospital specialization based on his years working for a community hospital’s birthing center in Connecticut.
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