The hospital was founded in 1840 as the Dorset County Hospital and the first purpose-built buildings, designed by Benjamin Ferrey, were completed in 1841 south of Princes Street in the town centre. During the 20th century the poet Thomas Hardy and the surgeon Sir Frederick Treves provided financial support to the hospital.
A medical institution was founded in 1840 under the name Dorset County Hospital and its first purpose-built structures were completed in 1841 within the town centre, south of Princes Street. In the 20th century, prominent individuals like poet Thomas Hardy and surgeon Sir Frederick Treves contributed financially to the hospital.