Types of Hospital Wards

Hospitals have grown over the years to focus on a variety of patient types. They may be divided by floor or wing into wards where different types of patients, nurses and doctors with special expertise and specialized equipment are kept. Beyond medical and practical reasons, wards may be designated to facilitate the mental well-being of patients as well.

There are a variety of types of hospital wards. (Image: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Pediatrics

In an effort to keep children together, they may be assigned to the pediatrics ward. Aside from pediatrics nurses, doctors and technicians, the ward also may have playrooms rather than lounges for patients. Another aspect is an attempt in some hospitals to make the surroundings more cheerful. To this end, cartoon or animal characters may be painted on the walls and toys may be provided in playrooms and individual rooms.

Maternity

Because the needs of expectant mothers are different than other patients--they aren't sick--maternity wards are designed to focus on them. Some hospitals provide rooms that are different for expectant mothers, with more home-like atmospheres. Maternity wards also may have specific delivery rooms rather than operating rooms. These wards also provide facilities for the newborn infants, including incubators and other special needs.

Geriatrics

The geriatrics ward focuses on elderly people. There has been some debate as to whether elderly people should be segregated in such wards; a study reported in The Journals of Gerontology states older people stay in the hospital in general about the same length of time as other patients. The authors of the study conclude that geriatric patients should be mainstreamed into the hospital as a whole.

Psychiatric

The psychiatric ward houses patients suffering from mental illness. As such, it may have controlled access. The ward may be used to treat patients or for observation. Some such wards allow patients to check themselves in for observation. These wards may include rooms for individual or group counseling.