The hospital opened in September 1779. It comprised 40 beds, four nurses and physicians and a barber. For several years prior to its opening, funds were raised through a number of musical concerts and other donations. In 1766 Dr John Ash, a local physician published in the Gazette a proposal to build "A general Hospital for the Relief of the Sick and Lame"
For a detailed history The History of Birmingham by Chris Upton is fine resource. A truly remarkable history of Birmingham [For a Villa Fan] I can heartily recommend it. It is published by Phillimore of Chichester, West Sussex