St. George's Leper Hospital

St. George's Leper Hospital is a historic medical institution, specifically dedicated to the treatment and care of patients suffering from leprosy. The hospital, named after Saint George, the patron saint of lepers, played a significant role in the history of medicine and public health.

History

St. George's Leper Hospital was established in the Middle Ages, a period when leprosy was a widespread disease in Europe. The hospital was one of the many leprosariums built during this time to isolate and treat those afflicted with the disease. The hospital was named after Saint George, who was venerated as a healer and protector of the sick, particularly those suffering from leprosy.

Function

The primary function of St. George's Leper Hospital was to provide care and treatment for lepers. This included medical care, as well as spiritual and emotional support. The hospital was staffed by monks and nuns, who not only provided medical care, but also offered spiritual guidance to the patients.

Legacy

St. George's Leper Hospital is an important part of medical history, as it represents one of the earliest attempts at organized healthcare for a specific disease. The hospital's approach to care, which combined medical treatment with spiritual guidance, set a precedent for future healthcare institutions.

See also

• History of leprosy
• History of hospitals
• Saint George