Until well into the twentieth century, the Oude en Nieuwe Gasthuis was the municipal hospital of Delft. A century earlier, two Christian hospitals had also been established under the influence of pillarization: the Catholic St. Hippolytus hospital and the Protestant Bethel hospital.

From 1966 the Stichting Samenwerking Delftse Hospitals worked on the integration of the three institutions. After a number of relocations, this led to a merger of the organizations in 1982. The hospital, which was named ‚Reinier de Graaf‘, is still located with one of the locations at Reinier de Graafweg in Delft.

Name
As a physician and medical scientist, Reinier de Graaf made many important discoveries and discoveries in the 17th century during his years in Delft. The namesake of the current hospital is still considered a pioneer in the development of reproductive medicine.

New and experimental
Reinier de Graaf (1641-1673) carried out research into the female genitalia and reproduction using new, experimental methods. For example, he was the first to observe the human egg. This doctor also recorded the function of the fallopian tube. As well as the way the egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

Pioneering
role Reinier de Graaf’s remarkable achievements in the field of female reproductive organs are the basis of our current knowledge of reproductive anatomy, physiology and endocrinology. Inspired by its attitude and merits, our hospital is still striving to play a pioneering role in the 21st century.