The facility has actually been operational since May 27. During which time there have been about 1,500 emergency department presentations, more than 370 patients admitted, 111 surgical and scope procedures performed, and 36 babies born.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard was on-hand to do the honours at the ceremony in the courtyard. And acknowledged the work of the staff in helping to reach the milestone - a number of which watching on from the surrounding building, due to social distancing requirements.

He also recalled coming to Mudgee prior to the commencement of the project and being "hassled" for a new hospital. With subsequent visits highlighting the community interest in the facility.

"I came up to one of the community meetings that Health Infrastructure put on and we had a packed house of community members who really cared about what was going to be their new hospital. And this is a real community effort," he said.

"This is the new home. I knew the old hospital, I'd visited the old hospital, but this is Mudgee medical magic.

"And we've got a perfect environment to deliver really good care going forward for many years. And with the support of the community and staff, I know it's going to be a place that the community will own and love."

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Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, having been able to observe progress, also noted the interest from the public and said "this is a hospital that means a lot to a lot of people".

"During the election campaign the demolition of what was here - some old buildings that were used for Community Health services - had begun and building-proper had started on this brand new hospital. So I've seen it rise from a pile of rubble to the magnificent facility you see today," he said.

"It came together very, very quickly, and [Health Service manager] Caren Harrison and her team have done a fantastic job in making that happen.

"And I've been lucky enough to join some of the amazing clinical and Health Infrastructure staff on several tours through as things were coming together. So this is really like being a part of the unveiling of a new baby.

"This is a hospital that means a lot to a lot of people. And if you talk to any of the clinicians, nurses, or anyone who works in hotel services, it's a hospital that is a community asset - and that's exactly what hospitals need to be in the 21st century.

"Unfortunately, due to COVID, we can't have a community open day, but the amount of enquiries we've had has been incredible. People want to be a part of this and for very good reason."

Mayor Des Kennedy said that the new hospital fulfills an important requirement for the region as a whole.

"There's education of our children, medical services, and law and order - the three most important things in society. And this ticks one of those boxes, and is one of the best things to happen to our region in 50-60 years or more, it's a game-changer and a beautiful facility," he said.

While from a practicality standpoint, Health Service manager Caren Harrison said it's fit for purpose.

"The feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive. There's much more space, it's much more purpose-built, it's far more functional, it's clean, it's tidy, it's fresh, and it's new," she said.

"The staff were heavily involved in the design of the hospital, so it's actually working really well."

John Bentley, chair of the Mudgee Health Council, said that the group welcomed and was thankful for the opportunity to be the community's representative during the planning and construction of the facility. And spoke of the significance of the first baby born there "within hours of opening the doors of this building".

"This birth, undoubtedly wonderful for the family, is also symbolised by its place and time. A baby signifies a new beginning, a birth also embodies optimism, enthusiasm and delight - and brings potential of promise and expectations of a positive future," he said.

"Terms that also seamlessly describe all that this community feels about this building."

The demolition of the old building - to enable construction of the new car park - is due in late 2020, after there had been the possibility it might've been needed for isolation during the pandemic.

"It was fantastic that we could hold the old hospital open, when we looked like we may really have needed it in March/April, but at this stage they're progressing with the plans to get rid of what is a challenging building in terms of asbestos," Health Minister Hazzard said.

"And hopefully towards the end of this year we'll see that building come down and provide those additional car-spaces to complement the amazing new hospital."