At the beginning of the 20th century, tuberculosis was still a widespread disease in Italy, with an alarming death toll. Primarily due to the poor hygiene conditions of a large part of the population, the disease was difficult to control. Partly under the impetus of Dr. Guido Salvini, a physiologist who had long treated tuberculosis patients, the decision was made in 1911 to build a large sanatorium in the natural woodland of what is now Groane Park.

The complex was designed by architect Giannino Ferrini, Milan's city architect. The surrounding natural environment was considered ideal for the treatments designed for this purpose. However, the First World War disrupted plans, meaning construction wasn't completed until 1923. Later, in 1929, additional pavilions were added. It became a majestic complex, covering 750,000 square meters, with large windows and terraces. At the center of the complex stands the chapel dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo. Once completed, the sanatorium was dedicated to the then King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III.

During World War II, the administrative management of the complex was separated from the strictly medical management and entrusted to the Santa Corona Institute. In 1951, the sanatorium was renovated and expanded. With the introduction of more suitable treatments, the number of tuberculosis cases dropped dramatically, and the sanatorium slowly began to transform into a general hospital. In 1955, it was named after Guido Salvini, who had died in 1946 after a life dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis. The steady decline in tuberculosis cases led to a complete transformation into a general hospital in the 1970s.