An acute hospital provides short-term, active treatment for severe illness, injury, or urgent medical conditions – but ofetn has long-term or chronic care facilities as well.
These hospitals offer emergency services, critical care, surgery, and specialised units like Acute Medical Units (AMUs) for rapid assessment and intervention for patients needing immediate, intensive care – often admitted via A&E or GP referral.
They may be a local (‘District General’), Teaching (Medical) or Psychiatric (Mental Health) Hospital.
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