Location: What3words: locate.forum.globe National Grid reference: SO8249576977

The Mill Street Infirmary was the first purpose built hospital in Kidderminster. There had been a previous small facility which was in fact a converted and adapted house. (The fact that this stood looking out over the graveyard of the Parish Church may not have inspired those who had recourse to it with the greatest confidence. The Mill Street Infirmary stands some distance from the Church).

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The Infirmary was funded by public subscription led by the Earl of Dudley – the former Lord Ward. Lord Ward it was of course who supported the Lord Ward Sheds which helped the town survive the introduction of the power looms. He also contributed significantly to the Town Hall. Noblesse oblige means something to the Victorian aristocracy but the Earl who was the owner of huge coal and iron reserves had commodiously deep pockets.

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The building was designed by J G Bland who was also the architect for the Lord Ward Shed and many other buildings of this period in the town. When first opened it had capacity for 28 in-patients in four wards plus a dispensary, accommodation for senior staff and other facilities. Building costs were almost £7000, 

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It was opened in 1870 by the Countess of Dudley with the Earl gallantly taking the responsibility of an opening speech rather than subject his wife to the daunting and unfeminine task of public speaking. In those days before the National Health Service, the costs of the health provision were met in part by weekly collections for 1d each from workers at the towns’ carpet mills. 

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The Infirmary continued to play a part in patient care alongside a new hospital established in the 1970s  until the early 1990s when the old Infirmary premises were converted into apartments.

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For information of some of the towns most celebrated people see Notable Local People

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