My hospital stays have been good experiences. The staff is caring. Daily contact with my pdoc. Clean. Decent food (as far as hospital food goes). Structured programs through the day. Respectful and concerned staff. Certainly not a zoo by any stretch.

Care varies from hospital to hospital. Painting them all with the same broad brush isn't particularly helpful information. In the OP's case, since this is not apparently an emergency situation, I would suggest doing some research about what hospitals are options in the area. A good program will have someone you can call and speak to and will even give a tour of their facility ahead of time. I know the one I use will, and although it isn't a public facility, it does take patients on medicare and medicaid and works with patients who lack insurance.