The Old Infirmary in Bridge Street, built in 1850, occupies the site of a Hospital founded in 1784, and is now (in 1896) used as a Dispensary and Hospital. The site of the Old Infirmary is now long gone, occupied by a small carpark between Bridge Street and Mill Street.
The New Royal Alexandria Infirmary (RAI) at Calside (which was in the course of erection in 1896) is approached from Causeyside and Neilston Road the main thoroughfare southwards from Gilmour and Canal Street stations. The elegant building west of the Infirmary, fronting Calside, was the Nurses’ Home – the gift of Peter Coats, Esq., of Ferguslie Thread Mills. The accompanying sketches by the architect, Mr T. G. Abercrombie, give an idea of the magnificent structures which adorn the southern part of the town, and benefit the whole community.
The Royal Victoria Eye Infirmary was situated at 1 Forbes Place, off Causeyside. This later moved to Mansionhouse Road, a building many Paisley Buddies will remember.
The Abbey Poorhouse, a large and handsome Elizabethan structure, and the Riccartsbar Lunatic Asylum lie to the south-west of the New Infirmary. Any visitor to Gleniffer, or the southern suburbs, can hardly fail to note these large and important edifices.
Adapted from the 1896 Guide of Paisley by J & R Parlane