In the heart of a town’s healthcare system beats an essential institution — the acute care hospital. These hospitals are more than just buildings with beds and medical equipment; they are hubs of advanced medical treatment and critical life-saving procedures.
As an acute care hospital, East Adams Rural Healthcare knows firsthand the critical nature of these facilities. When considering your medical care options, it can be very helpful to understand what an acute care hospital is and how it can keep you and your loved ones.
What Is an Acute Care Hospital? The Answers
An acute care hospital primarily provides short-term medical treatment for patients with severe or urgent health issues. These institutions — common in small towns and rural areas — deliver comprehensive and specialized medical care for conditions that require immediate attention.
Most acute care hospitals provide the following essential services:
Emergency Services
One of the most critical components is the emergency department (ED), which is ready 24/7 to treat life-threatening conditions.
Intensive Care
Acute care hospitals offer state-of-the-art intensive care units (ICUs) for patients requiring around-the-clock monitoring and intensive treatment.
Surgical Services
From emergency surgeries to planned procedures, acute care hospitals feature advanced surgical facilities with trained and licensed staff.
Specialized Care Units
While the specializations can vary from facility to facility, acute care hospitals may offer cardiology, neurology, and oncology services, among others.
Diagnostic Services
Equipped with the latest diagnostic technology, these hospitals can perform various tests and imaging services such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Acute Care Hospitals’ Role in Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery
The primary goal of an acute care hospital is to stabilize patients and manage their acute medical conditions. The focus is on short-term treatment, aiming to improve the patient’s condition to the point where they either return home or transition to another care facility for further recovery or rehabilitation.
The primary purposes of an acute care facility tend to focus on:
Immediate Medical Intervention
Acute care hospitals provide rapid medical intervention that can be life-saving in emergencies.
Advanced Medical Technology
These hospitals are often at the forefront of medical technology and practices.
Multidisciplinary Medical Teams
Staffed by a diverse team of healthcare professionals, acute care hospitals offer comprehensive healthcare services.
Community Health Care Hub
Acute care hospitals often serve as the primary health care provider in many communities, especially rural areas.
EARH: Ritzville’s Sole Acute Care Hospital
At East Adams Rural Healthcare, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality acute care services for our local community. Located in downtown Ritzville, Washington, our facility blends the urgency and sophistication of an acute care hospital with the personalized touch of local healthcare.
Besides acute care, we offer various other health services. Visit our blog to find out about these services, such as our women’s medical care center and the benefits of a walk-in medical clinic.
Whether dealing with a sudden illness or a chronic condition or seeking to understand more about healthcare options, acute care hospitals like East Adams Rural Healthcare play a vital role in maintaining community health.
Visit our website to schedule an appointment, for more information on our services, and to learn about our commitment to providing compassionate, exceptional health care.
