Rys historyczny rozwoju lecznictwa szpitalnego w Jarosławiu

Abstract

The first written records, which can be treated as the beginning of a medical activity come back to the prehistoric times. Along with the evolution of the Christian faith as well as preaching the ideas of charity and helping the others, shelters and almshouses were created by the monasteries and churches. Priests and monks cared for patients and hospitals were maintained with donations. Recommendations for different behaviours important for treatment and health care appeared in many religious books. These guidelines were also found in the medical records, which began the scientific development of medicine. Source data indicate that the origins of hospitals in Jaroslaw fall into the first half of the fifteenth century. As in many other cities the first hospital was then called “home for the poor” and it provided help for those who were ill or in need. It was a kind of a shelter where the poor and the sick stayed together. Monks and nuns as well as volunteers and the servants cared for them. In 1902 the first general public hospital was built in Jaroslaw. It was given the name of the monarch Franz Joseph I and everyone could be treated there regardless of their nationality and religion. The hospital consisted of the main building where today the emergency room, the surgical ward and the infectious diseases ward is located. At the time, patients were treated by only three doctors and three nuns. Over the years the hospital was renovated and modern well-equipped wards were created. Its function today is the same as in the past: it provides treatment and support to the city dwellers and the inhabitants of the surrounding areas.