National Temperance Hospital

National Temperance Hospital was a hospital located in London, England. It was established in 1873 by the National Temperance League, an organization dedicated to promoting temperance and abstention from alcohol. The hospital was unique in that it was one of the few hospitals in the world that did not serve alcohol to its patients, a practice that was common in other hospitals at the time.

History

The National Temperance Hospital was founded in 1873 by the National Temperance League. The hospital was initially located in Gower Street, London, but moved to Hampstead Road in 1885. The hospital was funded by donations from supporters of the temperance movement, and it was run on the principle that alcohol was not necessary for medical treatment.

In 1931, the hospital was taken over by the University College Hospital and continued to operate under its original principles. However, the hospital was severely damaged during the Second World War, and it was eventually closed in 1990.

Principles and Practices

The National Temperance Hospital was unique in its refusal to use alcohol in the treatment of its patients. This was a radical departure from the medical practices of the time, which often included the use of alcohol as a therapeutic agent. The hospital's stance on alcohol was based on the beliefs of the temperance movement, which argued that alcohol was harmful and unnecessary.

Despite its unconventional approach, the hospital was able to provide a high standard of care to its patients. It was staffed by a team of dedicated doctors and nurses, and it offered a range of medical services, including surgery, maternity care, and outpatient services.

Legacy

The National Temperance Hospital is remembered as a pioneering institution in the field of alcohol-free medical treatment. Its principles and practices have influenced the development of modern medical practices, particularly in the area of addiction treatment.

Today, the site of the former hospital is occupied by the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research centre.