The Infirmary is intended for the poor and needy, unable to pay for the attentions of surgeons, physicians or apothecaries.
Subscription begins enthusiastically, and plans are made .
Due to the generosity and enthusiasm of subscribers, it is decided to rent a house immediately to found the infirmary, while plans are drawn for the construction of a permanent building. With the support of the Mayor, Matthew Ridley and local notables, the first Infirmary is opened in Gallowgate. At 9.30 in the morning, proceedings started with a service at St Nicholas' church, to hear a sermon by Dr Sharp, Archdeacon of Northumberland. Initially, there was space for 23 patients, but this was soon expanded to 40. There was no proper water supply, but they did have a silver chalice for communion.