The Professorial Department of Gynaecology was in the Western Infirmary, adjacent to the University on Gilmorehill. The proposal to build a new hospital in the West of Glasgow originated in 1845, when the University Court was impelled to contemplate a move westwards because the College buildings in High Street were inadequate to meet the demands resulting from the city's unprecedented growth, and the surroundings of the university had deteriorated. Construction of the new building at Gilmorehill, described as a “charming green rising ground far to the west”, began in 1867 and it was ready for occupation (although not yet complete) in 1870,when the professors were photographed on the Lion and Unicorn Stair ofthe Old College, a dinner was held in the Fore Hall, the loving cup was passed round with the appropriate sentiment and “Resurgat in gloria Alma Mater” and “Auld Lang Syne” were sung. Next day, the historic Old College was handed over to the railway company.

The Royal Infirmary had provided admirable convenient facilities for clinical teaching but was regarded as too remote from the new university site, and adjacent ground was purchased to accommodate a new hospital. It became apparent that, apart from university requirements, the hospital needed to act as a second general infirmary for the city and, as the public was contributing generously for this purpose, their needs were also important.

The Western Infirmary opened in November 1874 when there were 110 inpatients and over the next three years their number was to average 153.