It serves the surrounding area of Tameside in Greater Manchester, and the town of Glossop in Derbyshire.

The hospital has its origins in the Ashton District Infirmary, founded by Samuel Oldham in 1861.

[1] Oldham’s stated intention in founding Ashton District Infirmary was to create an institution "for the relief and cure of sick and indigent persons resident, employed, or having been employed within 3½ miles of Ashton Town Hall."

[2] An expansion of the hospital was procured under a Private Finance Initiative contract in 2007.

The works were carried out by Balfour Beatty at a cost of £78 million were completed in 2009.