Pavilion Hospital

[Littlestown]

Another medical innovation attributed to the Civil War ...

"Pavilion Hospital – Prior to the Civil War, any system of hospitalization was virtually unknown. With the large number of wounded and sick needing long-term care, a network of general hospitals was created in cities in both the North and the South. At first existing buildings were used for hospitals, but soon both armies constructed large pavilion-style hospitals that were clean, well- ventilated, and highly-efficient. Surgeons, hospital stewards, both male and female nurses, matrons, laundresses, and volunteers from civilian associations all contributed to the care of the sick and wounded. Also important to note are the communities of religious women – such as the Daughters of Charity – who took part in the care of wounded and sick on battlefields, in hospitals, camps, and prisons for both the Union and the Confederacy. The quality of care that the patients received improved dramatically after the opening months of the war, and the general hospitals had an 8% mortality rate."
http://www.civilwarmed.org/national-museum-of-civil-war-medicine/exhibits/

Pavilion hospital display, Civil War Museum, Frederick MD

 

[Littlestown]

Hospital Designs

Each pavilion radiated out from the center at Hicks General Hospital in Baltimore.


"The devastating British deaths from disease during the Crimean War prompted improvements in sanitation and hospital design during the Civil War. The belief that improved air ventilation minimized the spread of diseases led to the development of new designs in hospitals where patients could be separated by type of injury or illness, thereby minimizing the spread of disease and infection.

Florence Nightingale first suggested that military hospitals be built as pavilions. These pavilions consisted of long separate wards that allowed for greater air ventilation and improved efficiency in treating similarly injured or diseased patients. By the end of the war, the pavilion style had become the predominate style for General Hospitals. Pavilions were designed to offer the benefits of a tent with the protection of a solid structure. They were lighter, warmer, and better ventilated and were approximately 150 feet long, 25 feet wide, with a 12 to 14 foot ceiling. Each pavilion ceiling had a series of adjustable shutters on the ridge of the roof that allowed ample ventilation yet protection from inclement weather. They were often connected by a common passageway that allowed quick access by hospital staff to any pavilion ward."
- See more at: http://www.rochestergeneral.org/abo...ochester-city-hospital/hospital-design/#_ftn1

 

[donna]

Another interesting thread. I learn something everyday, thanks to the members like you. There is always so much to learn about from this time.

 

[Littlestown]

Typical pavilion style hospital

Photograph by Mathew Brady in 1864 of Carver Hospital in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration

 

[donna]

I really like the photo of Carver Hospital. It looks like it was a very clean place and that they tried to make it nice for the soldiers.

 

[nitrofd]

I have been reading Sam Hood's new book book on the "Lost Papers of General John Bell Hood" and one of the papers presented is his doctors report of his wound from the battle of Chickamauga which resulted in the amputation of his leg.this report is very extensive and is a daily record of his treatment which is really remarkable how well he was treated in those antiquated medical times.he wasn't treated in a hospital so to see these hospital is really amazing .I quess we truly owe a Lot to Clara Barton and Dr. Jonathan Letterman.

 

[nitrofd]

I forgot to say this daily report covers sept. 20 till nov.10. I feel that if he was not a general I doubt he would have survived his wound as he treatment was extensive and I don't believe a soldier of lower rank wouldn't have received this much care.