The 18th century – medical markets, and new hospitals

Опубликовано: 20 Сентябрь 2023
на канале: Para Physician Associate

Welcome to our journey back in time to explore the fascinating history of healthcare in the United Kingdom before the establishment of the National Health Service in 1948. 🕰️

In this historical deep dive, we uncover the competitive landscape of healthcare in pre-NHS Britain, where doctors vied for patients and income, contending not only with each other but also with diverse alternative healthcare providers. During the 18th century, England was a tapestry of approximately 3,000 recognized medical practitioners, including unexpected professions like blacksmiths, farriers, peddlers, and grocers, all contributing to the world of medical treatments.

Discover how the formal medical profession took shape, consisting of physicians, apothecaries, and surgeons, each with their defined roles and associations. The Royal College of Physicians, established in 1518, represented the medical elite, while the Society of Apothecaries, originating in 1617, specialized in preparing medicines. The surgeons, with their roots in the Company of Barber-Surgeons, evolved into crucial general practitioners, providing care and medications, reflecting a distinction that still exists today.

Contrasting the British model, we delve into continental European healthcare during the Renaissance, where town physicians were employed and health boards were formed in response to plague outbreaks. England, on the other hand, lacked a formal health bureaucracy until the 19th century, relying on poor laws and parish councils to support the medical needs of its residents.

Venture into a time when hospitals were scarce, with only a handful of major institutions in London. Witness the evolution of healthcare infrastructure with the founding of Westminster Hospital and Guy's Hospital, triggering a wave of hospital construction throughout Britain. Learn about the philanthropic motives driving these endeavors and the limited care offered to the deserving poor.

Intriguingly, the 18th century saw the birth of dispensaries, a precursor to outpatient services, providing medications and home visits to the impoverished. Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of healthcare in pre-NHS Britain, shedding light on the resilience, resourcefulness, and gradual progression that ultimately paved the way for the modern healthcare system we know today. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for more historical explorations! 🏥🇬🇧✨