Thirty minute tours of the SERH will take place from 10am-3pm and incorporate the main areas and facilities of the three-storey complex at 4 Virginia Drive, Bega.

As well as touring the hospital, visitors will be able to view a video highlighting the state-of-the-art facilities and services.

This is because some surgical, medical and operating theatre areas have been sanitised and will not be open for viewing by the general public for hygiene and safety reasons.

The SERH will begin treating its first patients within about a week of the community open day and some key medical and operational areas already have had to be locked down in readiness.

“People in the region have watched this wonderful building take shape over the past years and we are thrilled to be able to give them an opportunity to see for themselves what an incredible facility it is,” Bega Valley Health Services manager Heather Austin said.

“The community open day is a realisation of years of hope and hard work by staff and community members alike.

“Many members of our community have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see inside their new hospital and we’re very excited with the move-in date fast approaching after months of planning.”

Those people interested in looking over SERH and touring the new complex are asked to register the preferred time they wish to tour at www.serhopenday.eventbrite.com.au by Thursday, February 25. 

People will be given a choice of available times for the 30-minutes tours when they register.

As the available spaces for the individual tour spots are filled, these times will be shown as being closed and alternative times offered.

As numbers are strictly limited, book early to avoid disappointment.

Ms Austin urged community members who may not have internet access to ask either family or friends to register for them.

“We want people to be able to enjoy the community open day and ensure the tours are undertaken in an orderly and relaxing environment,” she said.