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Hospitals of all kinds became numerous in Britain after the beginning of the 12th century, though it’s difficult, if not impossible, to estimate their total number because some were short-lived, re-established in different terms, or amalgamated with neighbouring houses. Funds for a hospital were decided by a foundation that made consistent withdrawals from invested capital, usually the rents of lands or houses. In 1226, Henry III gave St John’s Hospital 10 cartloads of dry wood. Nobles and well-to-do merchants added bequests and contributions, to say nothing of the pilgrims, who collected food offerings from the community.

Since ancient times, there’s been a close connection between health and religious belief, with churches owning and running hospitals that provided the same medical care we’re used to these days. The term “hospital” stems from the hospitality offered by religious orders to the poor, the sick, travellers, and, of course, pilgrims. Patients, as charity cases, had few rights, meaning they risked discharge for breaching the hospital rules or upsetting the medical staff. St Thomas is one of the oldest healthcare facilities in the country. Its senior medical officers, the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries were elected for life by the General Court.

In the 16th century, hospitals struggled to survive the dissolution of monasteries

From 1536 to 1541, Henry VIII dissolved and took possession of the lands and wealth of monasteries and nunneries in England and Wales by passing an Act of Parliament that made him the Supreme Head of the Church and required an oath of loyalty from subjects that recognised his marriage with Anne Boleyn. It goes without saying that this has a substantial impact on the provision for the sick because the religious community was the main provider of medical care. In some towns and cities, councils had to intervene and take charge of the running of hospitals. In London, authorities sent petitions to Henry VIII and his son, Edward VI, to prevent closures. Both of them provided endowments.

Leading hospitals were shut down, including but not limited to Burton Lazars in Leicestershire, St Leonards in York, St Giles Holborn, and St John Redcliffe in Bristol. Vagabonds, who were regarded as impotent and miserable creatures that inhabited the streets, couldn’t fend for themselves even if they desperately needed access to healthcare services. Highly deprived areas, whether rural or urban communities, had limited access to medical services, and the few hospitals that remained didn’t have a resident doctor to provide treatment. Following citizens’ petitions, Henry VIII and his government were forced to take action, and the only establishments that survived the transition were St Bartholomew and St Thomas.

During the 18th century, new hospitals were established across Britain

By the late 17th century, hospitals prevailed as charity care programs yet expressed new ideas about public order and progress, especially in the rapidly expanding capital of London. If, in the beginning, hospitals provided basic care to the sick, with time, they attempted to diagnose illness and perform simple surgery, such as fixing broken bones or removing gallstones. Healthcare institutions were largely funded by wealthy businessmen. For example, Guy’s Hospital was funded by Thomas Guy, an English merchant and politician who gave £1000 and further large sums later. He also gave an annuity of £400 to Christ’s Hospital and many other charitable organisations.

A number of specialist hospitals were set up during the 19th century

Specialist hospitals ensure exceptional medical care to people with particular illnesses or afflictions, including but not limited to asthma, epilepsy, cancer, etc. From the mid-19th century, an ever-increasing number of specialist hospitals were established in towns and cities to best manage large populations. The Free Cancer Hospital was founded in 1851 by William Marsden, an English surgeon who understood the difficulties the poor encountered in obtaining medical treatment. After the death of his wife, who lost the battle against cancer, Marsden focused his attention on tumours and sought new treatments for the dangerous disease.

The first NHS hospital opened in 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, offering free healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) was launched in 1948 and has undergone some radical changes since its creation as a comprehensive public health service. The Minister of Health, Aneurin Bevan, visited Park Hospital in Manchester to inaugurate state-funded provision of health, providing accommodation for the poor, orphans, and the elderly. For the first time, the government assumed the responsibility for the provision of a curative service for the entire population. The NHS enjoyed public support despite the fact that the British Medical Association and the doctor’s union threatened to boycott it, and its genesis is the result of years of hard work.

Errors big and small happen that can compromise patient care, which explains why there are so many cases against the NHS year after year. Speaking of which, please consult a guide on how to sue the NHS if you believe you’ve been injured or wronged by someone and should be compensated for the harm you’ve suffered. Though the NHS isn’t perfect, citizens get value in return for their money, which can’t be said for all publicly funded healthcare systems. The NHS developed from a complex and historically determined amalgam of health and social services and will continue to remain at the top of the political agenda throughout its existence, subject to repeated reorganisations and crises.

The takeaway

The hospital is an established narrative of change, largely understood as a social response to industrialisation. A radical break occurred in 1949, when the decision to provide good, strong, and reliable healthcare was made, and everyone had to abide by it. Those with memories of the early days are fewer, and it’s exciting to see what will happen next – there’s always more that can be done. The future of the publicly funded healthcare system builds on its already strong foundation of strong connections between local hospitals and the communities they serve. Over the years, multiple initiatives were introduced to streamline patients’ access to medical advice, such as regional Nightingale temporary hospitals.

Technological advancements are changing healthcare delivery, so we can expect hospitals to innovate in the upcoming decade.

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