As a girl about to enter 7th grade in 1997, this game was really a hoot to play. I had discovered it as a demo on a PC Gamer disc during the summer of 1997, and gave it a go. As the days and such went on, the game was rather amusing...and here's why.
The game has some made up diseases. One of them is Bloaty Head, where the afflicted patient's head is...well, bloaty. Then we have King Complex (which I alternatively call King Syndrome), where the patient is impersonating Elvis Presley. Then we've got Slack Tongue, where the patient's tongue is larger than usual, and has to be treated in the Slack Tongue Clinic.
You gotta admire how Bullfrog Productions' team put a lot of work into the game, giving the game some memorable tunes, which I listen to on my iPod at this day and age. They also made some rather humorous Game Over cutscenes if you fail in Theme Hospital for whatever the reason (for instance, killing too many patients). And how could I EVER forget the receptionist's voice making various announcements, even funny ones? (My father would let out a chuckle every time she'd utter, "Patients are reminded not to die in the corridors.")
This game is quite a memory from my childhood, and if you loved Theme Hospital, I HIGHLY recommend you get its spiritual sequel called Two Point Hospital, which many employees of Bullfrog Productions made.