Royal Public Dispensary of Edinburgh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Public Dispensary of Edinburgh |
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Mackenzie Medical Centre
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 Location in Edinburgh
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| Geography | |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland. |
| Coordinates | 55°56′44″N 3°11′01″W / 55.9456°N 3.1836°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 1776 |
| Closed | 1963 |
The Royal Public Dispensary of Edinburgh was a very important place in Scotland. It was the first hospital in Scotland that offered free medical care to people who couldn't afford it. Imagine getting help from doctors and nurses without having to pay!
Contents
Helping People in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a long history of helping people who were poor and sick. Back in 1681, a group called the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh decided to offer free medical care.
Early Efforts
By the 1700s, Edinburgh was very crowded. Many people were poor and often got sick. The Royal College of Physicians continued to help. They set up a "Dispensary" service. This was a place where people could get medical help. It moved to a new building in 1729. This new place was called the "Physicians’ Hospital or Infirmary for the Sick and Poor."
A New Kind of Help
The idea of a "Dispensary" grew. These were places that gave free medical advice and medicine. In 1776, a doctor named Andrew Duncan started Edinburgh's own public dispensary. It opened its doors in West Richmond Street in 1783.
This Dispensary was special because it was free for everyone. It was paid for by public donations. It also helped Duncan teach his medical students. Patients would get free care, and in return, they would help students learn.
Growing and Changing
As Edinburgh grew, more help was needed. In 1815, William Pulteney Alison and others started another public dispensary. This one was in Edinburgh's New Town. They felt a second place was needed because so many people were poor and sick.
The first Royal Dispensary was only open two days a week. It also didn't have a good way to visit sick people at home. Because of its important work, the Dispensary received a special award called a royal charter on January 13, 1818. After this, it became known as the Royal Public Dispensary of Edinburgh.
A New Chapter
In 1963, the Royal Dispensary closed its doors. Its building on West Richmond Street was given to the University of Edinburgh. The University fixed up the building. They renamed it the Mackenzie Medical Centre. This was named after Sir James Mackenzie, a famous doctor.
The Royal Dispensary also helped create something very important. It helped set up the world's first university teaching position for general practice. This means teaching doctors how to be family doctors. Richard Scott was the first person to hold this special job.
