19th Century Hospitals

What were hospitals like in the 19th century?

In the early 1800s, hospitals were small organisations that relied on private or charitable funding. However, the pressure to provide medical care resulted in the establishment of general hospitals.

What alternatives to hospitals were available in the nineteenth century?

Hospitals were difficult to get into so alternatives included:

• ❖ A home visit from a doctor who would diagnose the illness and suggest a treatment.
• ❖ The patient's family, or a nurse if they could afford one, would take care of the patient at home. They were expected to ensure that the patient received the treatment, and to keep records of their condition.

How were patients treated in 19th century hospitals?

Hospital patients had to follow rules and behave in a certain way during their stay. Sometimes they were only admitted with a recommendation, written by a doctor or a respected member of the community.

What types of hospitals were there in the 19th century?

There were 3 main types of hospitals in the 19th century.

• ❖ Cottage hospitals, accommodating about 12 patients, were set up from the mid-19th century. They would be run by a local GP.
• ❖ Infirmaries were larger hospitals built in towns and cities. These also provided an outpatient service. Initially they were funded by charities, and were often crowded and dirty.
• ❖ As well as general infirmaries, specialist hospitals were also built, such as the Hospital for Sick Children in Great Ormond Street, which was established in 1852.