[The Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon, the most beautiful hospital in the kingdom during the reign of Louis XV].
The Hôtel-Dieu was built between 1741 and 1761 on the banks of the Rhône, composed of a magnificent two-story facade, and the whole crowned by a dome which added to the glory of the city. For this grandiose and costly project, Soufflot was called in. The Hôtel-Dieu became the best hospital in the realm. The healthcare personnel consisted of 130 hospitaller sisters and 50 brothers under the guidance of the chaplains. Eight to ten journeymen surgeons, forefathers of the interns, were spread throughout the wards. The principal surgeon chosen by the rectors became, after 6 years of practice, a fully qualified surgeon, or a 'surgeon gaining mastery', and could then practice freely in the city. In 1755, 1300 patients were hospitalized in the old and new buildings.
Bouchet
A
A
Chirurgien honoraire des hôpitaux de Lyon, faculté Laennec, rue Guillaume Paradin, 69372 Lyon, France.
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000266:history; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005602:France; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education / Q000266:history*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000266:history*