York City Council had been considering building a fever hospital since the mid 1800s and finally an appropriate piece of land was purchased, and the hospital was built and opened in late 1880.
It was never expected to be fully occupied and it comprised two modest buildings with accommodation for only twelve patients along with accommodation for the housekeeper. There were verandahs at the side of the building to allow patients to have as much fresh air as possible.
Staff in the early days
The surprising thing about its development was that nursing and medical staff were not initially recruited. This was in a time before the NHS was established and it was expected that patients would engage their own doctor to visit, and possibly a private nurse or a relative to stay with them and care for them within the hospital.
Patients were charged a minimum of 10 shillings/week when admitted and were also expected to pay more for the board and lodging of their own nurse
