Originally published September 11, 2000
THE new Mildura Base Hospital passed its first public inspection with flying colors, according to chief executive officer Dane Huxley.
Mr Huxley estimated between 8000 and 9000 people took the opportunity to have a closer look as the new facility during a special public open day.
He said the level of community interest shown in the hospital -- which had hosted an average of about four tours a week during the construction phase -- meant the day had been a "resounding success".
"I would have been happy with 5000 people, so to have this number turn out I think is a fantastic result," he said.
"Because there's been a lot of talk about the facility in the past two years -- both positive and negative -- I think people welcomed the chance to come and see for themselves what it was actually like."
He said he had been very pleased with the public response to the facility.
"We had 60 staff members on hand during the day and from a meeting afterwards, I formed the impression there hadn't really been any adverse comments made about the facility at all," he said.
"It's a beautiful hospital -- we're certainly very proud of it and I hope the local community will be too."
Mr Huxley said that along with the wide array of attractions located on the hospital grounds, interested members of the public had the opportunity to walk through the new complex and speak with staff.
He said the next major milestone for the hospital would be reached at 7am on Tuesday, September 19, when it would accept its first patients.
