How hospitals operated 100 years ago

Some facts you may not have known


To find out what hospitals looked like 100 years ago, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed a variety of sources to compile a list of what may be little-known facts, according to a article on the AZ Central website.

Some of the 29 facts listed are:

Hospitals in many states were segregated by race until the late 1960s. Some hospitals were also segregated by gender.

Smoking was common throughout hospitals 100 years ago. People smoked in cafeterias and waiting rooms. 

Even though doctors understood the importance of cleanliness during an operation, many performed procedures in their street clothes and an apron.

Surgical instruments were cleaned in boiling water, which killed most germs, but might have left some spores. 

Read the article.



October 17, 2019


Topic Area: Industry News


Recent Posts

The Future of Healthcare Facility Construction Projects

Brian Cowperthwaite highlights the invisible work that impacts everyone who walks through a healthcare facility.


Ground Broken on Jupiter Medical Center's Second Hospital

The 53,000-square-foot hospital will include 29 inpatient beds, four operating rooms, 24-hour emergency services, a diagnostic laboratory and imaging services.


Singing River Health System Ensnared by Data Breach

Through an investigation, on February 10, 2026, SRHS learned that the unauthorized party had accessed certain SRHS files that contained patient information.


Partnering on Personnel: Strategies for Success

Environmental services in healthcare have special staffing circumstances. They must meet stringent compliance standards and maintain accreditations.


Kaiser Permanente Opens First Two Medical Offices in Northern Nevada

These are part of its joint venture with Renown Health.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.