The hospital was established as an infirmary for the local Public Assistance Institute in 1939.

[1][2] During the Second World War, using temporary prefabricated buildings so as to increase its capacity to 900 beds, it was transformed into a hospital for servicemen.

[1] The hospital joined the National Health Service in 1948 and, following further expansion, its capacity was increased to 1,900 beds.

[1] Following cut-backs, the accident and emergency department closed in November 1990 and inpatient services transferred to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow in April 1995.

[1] In 2001 a new community hospital was procured for the site under a Private Finance Initiative contract.