Alternative words to the term "base hospitals" include anchor hospitals, central hospitals, core hospitals, central medical facilities, and principal hospitals. The phrases "primary medical centers" and "core medical facilities" can also be used to describe a hospital that serves as the primary location for medical care for a region or military installation. Other synonyms that apply in a military context include operational support hospitals, field hospitals, and combat support hospitals. The term "base medical facilities" may also be a more general phrase used in reference to hospitals located on military installations or in strategic locations providing medical services to the surrounding area.