C18th Hospitals - Change & Continuity

How many hospitals were there in the 18th century?

During the English Reformation many hospitals were closed. There were just five hospitals in England by 1700.

Who funded 18th century hospitals?

In the 1700s a number of new hospitals were built which were often funded by wealthy businessmen. Guy's Hospital in London was funded in 1724 by Thomas Guy, an investor in the South Sea Company. The hospital is still open today.

How were 18th century hospitals an improvement over previous centuries?

There were 4 main changes to hospitals during this period.

• ❖ The sick were properly cared for, unlike during medieval times, when hospitals were just a place for them to rest.
• ❖ Doctors received proper training, as medical schools were often attached to hospitals.
• ❖ Individual wards were developed to care for those with different types of diseases and illnesses.
• ❖ Hospitals now included an apothecary and a surgeon.

What specialist hospitals were developed in the 18th century?

The 18th century saw not only the development of general hospitals for the sick, but also specialist hospitals.

• ❖ In 1746, London's Lock Hospital for venereal (sexually transmitted) diseases was opened.
• ❖ In 1747, wards in Middlesex Hospital were designated specifically for pregnant women.
• ❖ In 1751, St Luke's Hospital became the second largest public hospital for the mentally ill.

What impact did the changes to hospitals in the 18th century have?

These changes to hospitals had 3 main impacts.

• ❖ By 1800, over 20,000 patients per year were treated at hospitals in London.
• ❖ People's thinking about illness and poverty shifted, and caring for those who were sick became more of a priority.
• ❖ The thinking developed that an evidence-based, scientific approach could conquer illness.