Great medieval hospitals
The Jerusalem hospice, run by the
Hospitallers in the 12th century, was one of the
first great medieval hospitals.
It was hugely influential.
In the enormous 2000 bed hospital, the sick
poor received nursing care which might surprise 21st century
patients.
The main Order hospital was always at its headquarters and there
were also smaller ones, usually along pilgrim routes. Each hospital
was run by a knight. Nursing the sick was part of the duty of all
knights. People of all religions were
treated…
'…knowing that the Lord, who calls all to
salvation, does not want anyone to perish, the hospital mercifully
admits men of the Muslim faith and Jews…'
Women and children were also treated. Some of
the Hospitallers’ medical methods in the middle ages are similar to
ideas in modern health care.
They believed that quality of nursing
care was the key to recovery in most cases, and used
surgery only as a last resort. They had an excellent knowledge of
natural and herbal medicines and understood the
importance of hygiene, calm and isolation. They also believed in
the importance of prayer.