A floating infirmary is a specially equipped vessel for the accommodation and treatment of sick and wounded sailors.
Floating hospitals appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 18th century on the initiative of Peter I. They were intended to provide medical care to the crews of naval ships.
The first floating hospitals were small sailing ships designed for transporting patients. In the 19th century, larger and equipped sickbay ships began to enter service. They had several decks, operating rooms, a pharmacy, a laundry and other necessary premises.
During hostilities, floating hospitals followed the fleet, taking on board the wounded after naval battles and providing them with medical care. In peacetime, they were based in ports and were used to treat ship crews.
Floating hospitals were actively used by the Russian Imperial Navy until the beginning of the 20th century. They played an important role in the development of naval medicine and the care of wounded sailors.