In the UK, the definition of a community hospital goes like this:
(Source: http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/)
There are two commonly used definitions of a community hospital, one focusing on primary care and the other on acute care. Modern community hospitals are likely to be a meeting point bridging acute and primary care.
Professor Lewis Ritchie defines a community hospital in the following way: "A local hospital, unit or centre providing an appropriate range and format of accessible health care facilities and resources designed to meet the needs of local people. These will typically include inpatient beds, out-patient clinics, diagnostic facilities, day care, minor injuries service and other extended primary care and intermediate care services. Medical care is predominantly provided by GPs working with consultant medical colleagues. Staff work in multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams to provide services including rehabilitation, acute medical care, palliative and terminal care, step-down care and respite care."
Community Memorial Hospital was created in 1901.
Community Hospital East was created in 1956.
Kincardine Community Hospital was created in 1998.
Sturgeon Community Hospital was created in 1992.
Chepstow Community Hospital was created in 2000.
Community Hospital North was created in 1985.
Withington Community Hospital was created in 1854.
Peterhead Community Hospital was created in 1939.
Strathcona Community Hospital was created in 2009.
Boulder Community Hospital was created in 1922.
Galloway Community Hospital was created in 2006.
Barstow Community Hospital was created in 1958.