The original Cumberland Infirmary is a Grade II* listed building which was designed by Richard Tattersall and constructed by Messrs Robinson and Bennet, contractors of Preston, between 1830 and 1832.

The hospital was officially opened by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on 16 June 2000.

[7] In 2015 a report commissioned by North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust found that the fire proofing materials installed did not meet the required protection standard to allow for safe evacuation and prevent a fire from spreading across the building.

[8] In 2021, a new cancer centre was opened on the site,[9] with services transitioning to Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

[10] On 2 June 2010, the hospital's Accident and Emergency department was put on full incident standby in the aftermath of the Cumbria shootings.