Developments in Patient Care - 18th Century

Development of Scientific Enquiry

• In the 18th century, new hospitals were opened and generally paid for by private individuals, charities and town councils.
• Growing scientific enquiry at this time resulted in growing interest with medical issues. The founding of the Royal Society in 1662 and various other medical societies encouraged the development of new scientific discoveries.
• A new desire to investigate and experiment when it came to medical issues led to the growth of the Enlightenment period, an age of scientific advancement and enquiry that saw huge advances in medical knowledge.
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Impact of the Industrial Revolution

• One of the major impacts from the Industrial Revolution was the rise in population levels. As industrial towns expanded there was greater demand for hospital provision. The demand was partially met through the donations of wealthy industrialists.
• One of these philanthropists was Thomas Guy. He was a wealthy printer and bookseller who funded the establishment of Guy's Hospital in 1724. The actions of men like Guy were based off the principles in Christian belief that the rich should help poor.
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• Caption: Statue of Thomas Guy (1644-1724)

Endowed Hospitals: Role & Function

• In the first half of the 18th century, 11 new hospitals were established in London and another 46 across the country. Endowed hospitals were now a place for providing basic care for the sick, including treating of illness and conditions needing surgery. Some of these hospitals became centres for education and training of future doctors and surgeons.
• The patients were looked after by nursing helpers who carried out manual work: washing patients, feeding them and keeping them warm. Nursing sisters were able to treat all patients with herbal remedies. While simple surgery such as removing bladder stones was carried out by physicians.
• Another function of the hospital was the issuing of medicine. During the 1770s a number of dispensaries were established e.g. 1776 Public Dispensary of Edinburgh and 1779 Metropolitan Dispensary