Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is an important cause of nosocomial infection. Most studies have been carried out in intensive care units (ICUs) where patients requiring mechanical ventilation are at high risk of developing HAP. However, the epidemiological differences between intubated patients and those admitted to general hospitalisation wards suggest that the aetiology and therapeutic approach differ between these two groups. The present article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HAP occurring outside ICUs.