[The changing role of hospitals]

The Hospital Committee of the European Union has redefined the role of the hospital within a changing society. In future the hospital will be dedicated to a clear vision of public health and will constitute part of a network of integrated care. From a bed-focused enterprise it will become a health centre providing all services requisite for the care of acute, psychiatric and chronically ill patients, whether stationary, as outpatients or in daycare. This center will be distinguished from other care services by its operative technical resources and by its highly motivated and well-trained staff.