A hospital is a place where patients receive medical treatment. Hospitals are usually staffed by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Patients may be admitted to a hospital for a variety of reasons, including illness, injury, or surgery.
In many countries, hospitals are run by the government. In the United States, however, most hospitals are private institutions. There are also nonprofit hospitals that serve specific populations or offer specialized services.
Hospitals provide a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and inpatient and outpatient care. Most hospitals also have laboratories and pharmacies on site. Some hospitals offer specialized services such as rehabilitation or long-term care.
The history of hospitals dates back to ancient times. The first known hospital was established in Persia in the early 5th century CE. In the Middle Ages, hospitals were often founded by religious orders such as the Knights Hospitaller. During this time, hospitals were used primarily to care for the sick and injured pilgrims travelling to holy sites such as Jerusalem.
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, public health initiatives led to the establishment of more secularized hospitals across Europe and North America. In 17th-century England, for example, public charities began funding the construction of voluntary hospitals for London’s poor population. By the mid-19th century there were more than 100 such institutions in British cities alone.
Throughout their history, hospi