THE public got to see the new £25 million hospital in Newton Abbot for the first time on Tuesday.
The impressive state-of-the-art facility, at Jetty Marsh, will provide a hub for healthcare and will replace the 110-year-old Victorian and Edwardian hospital in East Street, which is no longer fit for purpose.
It officially opens its doors on January 12.
It will house many new services including a maternity unit, the first in Newton Abbot for a generation; paediatric therapy unit bringing service for children together in one place and a sound proofed audiology booth for youngsters.
Other services include an improved rehabilitation unit, mobile diagnostic unit, outpatient consulting rooms, intermediate care stroke unit and outpatient clinics and a minor illness and injury centre.
There are also two wards with 60 beds available.
Liz Stirling, matron of the new hospital, said: 'The open day was an excellent opportunity for the public and staff to see the new facilities for themselves.
'The new building is so much nicer and we will have a wider range of therapies available.
'It's more appropriate working environment, more spacious, and better for infection control.
'Longstanding staff are feeling the loss of the old hospital, but know moving on is what is needed as the old facility isn't really fit for purpose anymore.
'All patients will be moved to the new hospital on January 12 and we will make this transition as smooth as possible.'
The new hospital has already been given an excellent rating for environmental sustainability.
A score of 73.7 out of 100 was given when it was assessed against targets set by NHS Estates, Building Research Establishment and the Department of Trade and Industry.