[1] Newport Hospital was founded in 1873 to provide better medical access to residents of Aquidneck Island, including the many mariners who previously travelled to Providence for treatment, an especially hazardous journey in the winter.

Henry Ledyard served as the first president and co-founder of the hospital.

Longtime Newport resident, George Peabody Wetmore, played a large role in building a new hospital building in the late nineteenth century.

The Hospital partners with the Naval Station Newport in offering services to the military.

Newport Hospital currently offers various services "including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, a birthing center, behavioral health unit, comprehensive surgical services, intensive care, acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.