History of the creation of the first prototype of an outpatient surgery center in Russia: Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the opening of St. Lazarus Hospital (Maximilian Hospital) for visiting patients in St. Petersburg (1850–2025)

Abstract

This article examines the history of the Maximilian Hospital for visiting patients founded in 1850 in St. Petersburg and provides an analysis of ifs activities – the first prototype of an outpatient surgery center in Russia. This new type of outpatient medical facility has been shown to implement the principles that are commonly found or seen today: healthcare accessibility regardless of patients’ social categories or gender; 24-hour attendance of medical staff including the ability to provide emergency surgical care; consultations of specialists in different areas of expertise; day and short-term hospital stays for patients who underwent surgery; and horse-drawn carriages to transport patients both from home and to hospitals. The presented results of the hospital's activities demonstrated its effectiveness and safety.