The General Infirmary was part of the first wave of hospitals on modern principles, with permanent medical staff. As the lettering across the front proudly records, it was built entirely by voluntary contributions. The first patients were admitted in 1767. The building was designed by John Wood, noted architect of Bath. Wings were added in Victorian times. Salisbury Infirmary continued to be the city hospital until it was replaced by Salisbury District Hospital in 1990. The Infirmary is now divided into flats for old people.