On Natal Day in 1940, the town of Dartmouth launched fundraising efforts for a 50-bed hospital, which had reportedly been suggested 30 years earlier.

[1] A series of public meetings in 1942 were held in support of the project, and the Dartmouth Memorial Hospital Association continued to raise funds.

[2] Throughout the 1960s, various studies and consultations were completed on the future Dartmouth hospital considering aspects such as architectural styles, care requirements, locations, bed capacities, and technologies.

[citation needed] The building was designed by Halifax architecture firm Fowler Bauld & Mitchell.

Akerley was defeated by Scott MacNutt, who campaigned on the promise of building a "long overdue" general hospital in Dartmouth.

It was officiated over by MacNutt, the newly elected mayor Eileen Stubbs, and tourism minister Glen M. Bagnell.

[7] The hospital was formally opened on January 14, 1977 by Nova Scotia premier Gerald Regan and Bagnell, who unveiled a memorial plaque in the building lobby.

[7] The expansion was completed in phases, with the first finishing in 1982 with the addition of three more operating rooms, totaling six, and more mechanical support equipment.

In late 2015, an announcement by the NSHA was made stating the Dartmouth General would undergo a $132 million expansion which would see the finishing of the fifth floor, a new four floor wing, new front entrance, revamped diagnostic imaging department, renovated renal dialysis, and new intensive care unit.