Hospitals

What were medieval hospitals like?

In medieval times, hospitals were mostly run by the Church, with monks and nuns to care for patients.

How were people cared for in medieval hospitals?

Hospitals were focused on caring for patients, not curing them. Monks and nuns kept patients comfortable, and made sure their beds faced the hospital's altar.

Who did medieval hospitals look after?

Hospitals cared for different types of people in medieval times.

• ❖ Hospitals for lepers were set up. These hospitals were not inside towns, but were on the outskirts, as lepers were considered outcasts.
• ❖ Medieval hospitals were also used to house the poor and elderly.
• ❖ Hospitals that did care for the infirm only provided basic nursing.