HSA 3111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Leper Colony, Pest House, Antiseptic
3 Feb 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Hospitals have developed into one of the most complex institutions of society with regards to its functions, professional organization, and labor forces. In addition to serving as a place for treatment, hospitals may serve as a research laboratory, an educational institution, and a major employer within the community. The history of their development extends back many years. Leper colonies were considered to be the first "hospitals". They were not established to serve or aid lepers, but rather to protect society by isolating the diseased individuals. Pilgrims journeying to rome would stop at wayside shelters called hospices. The crusades also added impetus to the formal development of hospitals. The wounded and sick soldiers needed care which was usually provided by family members. Since these soldiers were far removed from their families, care shelters staffed by women and directed by physicians and surgeons were established. Monastic orders of the medieval church were responsible for establishing charitable houses and hospitals.
