I feel that they all work hand in hand. The hospital is the only source of 24/7 care for many areas. Here in Jackson we have 2 different hospitals where we can get emergency care, which is a plus in my opinion. Without the Hospital the world we know today could not function. Some of the small towns in this area have closed their doors due to lower reimbursements for insurance companies and uninsured patients who are unable to pay. Long term care, like nursing homes here in our community, is very viable and really helps many families who are unable to care for their loved ones at home. Nursing homes provide 24-hour care to their patients and it is a benefit to every family. Area mental institutions have changed dramatically in Tennessee over the years. I think the changes are positive, patients can no longer be kept in a psychiatric institution long term. I am only able to say this for a short period of time. Pathways is the one that comes to mind that is in the Jackson area. I treat many mentally ill patients who come from the West Tennessee area. All in all, these three types of healthcare systems are all important and necessary in ours