Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Hospitals” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Hospitals
1. What is the main purpose of a hospital?
2. Can you name different types of hospitals?
3. How do hospitals help communities?
4. What kind of people work in hospitals?
5. Why is it important to have hospitals?

II. Hospital Services
6. What are some common services provided by hospitals?
7. How do emergency rooms in hospitals work?
8. Can you explain what a surgery is and how it’s done in hospitals?
9. What is outpatient care in hospitals?
10. How do hospitals ensure the safety and health of their patients?

III. Hospital Staff
11. What does a doctor do in a hospital?
12. Can you describe the role of nurses in hospitals?
13. Who are the other important staff members in a hospital?
14. How do hospital staff work together to take care of patients?
15. Why is teamwork important in hospitals?

IV. Hospital Equipment
16. What are some common pieces of equipment used in hospitals?
17. How has technology improved hospital care?
18. Can you explain what an MRI machine does?
19. Why is it important for hospitals to have modern equipment?
20. How do hospitals keep their equipment clean and safe?

V. Visiting Hospitals
21. What should you do if you need to visit a hospital?
22. How can you prepare for a hospital stay?
23. What are some things you can bring to a hospital to make your stay more comfortable?
24. Why might someone feel nervous about going to the hospital?
25. How can hospitals make patients feel more at ease?

VI. The Cost of Hospital Care
26. Why is hospital care often expensive?
27. How do health insurance plans help with hospital costs?
28. What happens if someone cannot afford hospital care?
29. Can hospitals refuse to treat patients who can’t pay?
30. How do some countries keep hospital costs lower for their citizens?

VII. Hospitals Around the World
31. How do hospitals differ from one country to another?
32. Can you name a country known for its excellent hospital care?
33. Why do some people travel to other countries for hospital treatment?
34. What challenges do hospitals face in developing countries?
35. How can international cooperation improve hospital care worldwide?

VIII. The Future of Hospitals
36. How might hospitals change in the future?
37. What role will technology play in the future of hospital care?
38. Can you imagine a new type of service that hospitals might offer one day?
39. How can hospitals become more environmentally friendly?
40. What are some ethical issues hospitals might face in the future?

IX. Patient Rights and Responsibilities
41. What rights do patients have in hospitals?
42. Why is patient privacy important in hospitals?
43. How can patients contribute to their own healthcare in hospitals?
44. What should a patient do if they’re not happy with their hospital care?
45. How do hospitals handle complaints from patients?

X. Hospital Volunteers and Community Support
46. How do volunteers help in hospitals?
47. Why do people choose to volunteer at hospitals?
48. How can communities support their local hospitals?
49. What are some ways hospitals give back to their communities?
50. Can you think of a fundraising idea to support hospital services?

XI. Hospital Safety and Emergencies
51. What safety measures are important in hospitals?
52. How do hospitals prepare for emergencies like natural disasters?
53. Why is it important for hospitals to have a good hygiene practice?
54. What role do security staff play in hospitals?
55. How can patients and visitors contribute to safety in hospitals?

XII. Hospital Innovations
56. Can you think of a recent innovation in hospital care?
57. How are hospitals using artificial intelligence to improve patient care?
58. What is telemedicine and how is it changing healthcare?
59. How can hospitals use data to improve services?
60. What future innovations do you think could transform hospitals?