Staffordshire General Infirmary, Stafford

Description:An aerial view of the Staffordshire General Infirmary taken from the north-east.

The foundations of Stafford General Infirmary began in a rented house in Foregate Street in 1766, making it one of the oldest hospitals in the country. Funds were acquired through subscriptions and bequests. An apothecary, matron and porter were appointed, but local doctors gave their services for free. The infirmary was funded by voluntary annual subscription, patients were admitted on the recommendation of those who made donations. An infirmary cow supplied milk and fruit was provided from the surrounding orchards.

Beds were soon in short supply and some patients had to be lodged elsewhere, so the Corporation granted a five hundred year lease in Foregate for a new infirmary. The £3,000 required was raised by public subscription and the new building, designed by Benjamin Wyatt and Sons, opened in 1772. The main Foregate Street front of the Infirmary was remodelled by Sir Aston Webb in 1892-7. Later additions included to the building included operating theatres in 1920, the David Hollins Nurses Home in 1927, and casualty and outpatients in 1930. A large new block including a new children's ward, a surgical ward and Radiology and Physiotherapy departments was opened on 7th May 1938.

With the opening of the new Stafford District General Hospital on Weston Road the hospital closed in 1996 and demolition work began on the infirmary building in 1999. Today (2023) only the centre block and side wings remain, converted into offices, and linked with modern structures.