The origin of hospices/hospitals

Hospices/hospitals in Western civilization are primarily an outgrowth of the teachings of Jesus. Soon after Greek monastic orders constructed buildings for the sick and dying, noblewoman Fabiola established the first hospices in the western Mediterranean. The hospice/hospital movement spread widely in medieval Europe. In modern society a distinction has been made between hospitals and hospices. Hospitals are devoted mostly to curing patients while hospices are concerned with terminal care. St. Christopher's Hospice is the acclaimed model of what a hospice program should contain. Caring for the sick and dying has contributed greatly to the positive influence of Christianity.