The $73 million facility was fast tracked to become operational on May 26 last year to help with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but due to virus related restrictions, wasn't officially opened until June 15, 2021.

During the ceremony, MC Lynn Lelean outlined the many people and businesses in the community who have supported the hospital over the years.

Volunteers such as the late Jean Searle OAM, and Barry Fuller who led the famous walk from the Pub with No Beer to the Hospital, raising thousands of dollars for the local palliative care service.

"There are so many stories of those who have dedicated countless hours, years, to supporting their local hospital, we acknowledge and sincerely thank individuals such as Jean Searle and Barry Fuller," Lynn said.

"Along with the volunteer organisations such as the United Hospital Auxiliaries - BowraMacksville and Nambucca branches, the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group, the Horticultural Association organisers of the annual Garden Gala, the list goes on and on.

"As we marvel at the amazing artwork inside the hospital building, we thank the local Nambucca Heads RSL Club for their very generous donation that made the project a reality."

The new hospital boasts 42 inpatient beds, an Emergency Department, Maternity, Tresillian, Community, Allied Health and day procedure beds, and treatment spaces.

It also features a modern café run by United Hospital Auxiliaries volunteers, a cancer resource centre and artworks produced by local Aboriginal artists and high school students displayed in the foyer, including a piece by Ricky Buchanan which was a NSW Premier's Awards Finalist.

Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board Chair, Warren Grimshaw AM, was among the group of dignitaries at the opening ceremony, and he said the hospital is a once in a generation project that ran smoothly from beginning to end.

"There's no doubt the long, dry spell was good weather for building and enabled the contractors to get a great start on the project, but it was the people involved from day one who really made it happen," Warren said.

"Working in partnership with Health Infrastructure, the Local Health District's project team - led by Mark Wilson - embraced all the tasks and challenges put before them and I'm sure you'll agree the finished product is just magnificent.

"As you know, projects like this take a considerable amount of planning and collaboration and we should all be exceptionally proud of what has been achieved here."

Coffs Clinical Network Coordinator, MNCLHD, Lydia Dennett, was also in attendance and praised the tireless efforts of staff.

"The project team and the staff who got us over the line as we seamlessly transferred our first patients to this wonderful new facility deserve all the accolades we can give them," she said.

"Teamwork was at the core of every decision and every action in the weeks prior to the doors opening.

"I know how hard it must have been commissioning a new health facility amid a climate of uncertainty and fear, but you rose to every challenge and delivered a project that I know is the envy of other communities of this size across the country.

"Macksville District Hospital plays a very important role in the Coffs Clinical Network. It has been designed to meet the growing needs of the community and truly is a jewel in the crown of the Mid North Coast Local Health District."

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