It's been dubbed "the biggest investment in the Southern Highlands in a generation."
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Now, it's finally been unveiled after lengthy COVID delays.
The $68.7 million Bowral and District Hospital Stage 1 redevelopment was officially opened on Monday morning.
It features a new emergency department, state-of-the-art operating theatres and has marked a new era in the hospital's 130-year history.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith officially opened the new Clinical Services Building, which has had more than 3,800 emergency presentations, 120 babies born and over 530 surgeries since opening in December.
"The nurses are the ones holding your hand when you're worried," Mr Hazzard said.
"The people here in the Southern Highlands like to stay within the community when receiving treatment.
"Sometimes when you're in the hospital for an extensive stay, it can be difficult to tell whether it's day or night.
"Most people want to have, if possible, health services close to home. Family members can pop by and the community members to lend their support.
"There's a lot of light, and a lot of life here in the design of this hospital.
"The new hospital building is a wonderful asset to the people of the Southern Highlands, which is rightly getting its share of the NSW Government's record $10.7 billion infrastructure boom.
"The Stage 1 redevelopment has also delivered new, purpose-built adult and paediatric inpatient wards with their own ensuites, new rehabilitation spaces with a gymnasium, a dedicated geriatric ward and a new maternity unit and birthing suites."
In March 2019, the NSW Government announced an additional $55 million for Stage 2 of the redevelopment, with planning for a second building starting soon.
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the building has beautiful views of the Southern Highlands and its design ensures rooms have plenty of natural light.
"It was one of my first acts as Member for Wollondilly," Mr Smith said.
"That was turning the sod right where we're standing now, back in April, 2019.
"This is a $68.7 million dollar first stage upgrade and into election, we have another $55 million on the way for stage two.
"I have been annoying the health minister, premier and the treasurer for more funds as that is my job as local member.
"This is the biggest investment in the Southern Highlands in a generation - over $120 million into health care.
"People in this region can have the confidence that people will be treated with care for the rest of their lives.
"The staff here at Bowral Hospital have an magnificent reputation, and now they have a five star hospital."
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