The first patients to be treated at Canberra's newest public hospital have arrived at the rehabilitation facility.
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About 44 patients were admitted to the University of Canberra Hospital on Tuesday during the first phase of transferring patients to the hospital from seven facilities across the city.
Executive director of commissioning at the hospital Linda Kohlhagen said the transition had so far run extremely smoothly.
The 140-bed rehabilitation facility, including 20 mental health beds, began construction in 2016.
"We have an absolutely beautiful hospital that has all the latest facilities ... that will enable people to re-learn the skills they need to be able to live successfully in the community," Ms Kohlhagen said.
The bedrooms all have natural light and operatable windows, with more single rooms available than at Canberra Hospital.
There are also communal spaces where patients can interact and socialise and even a kitchen to learn cooking skills.
The patients who arrived on Tuesday were transferred from the rehabilitation unit at Canberra Hospital and mental health facility Brian Hennessy Rehabilitation Centre.
"If someone's entering the recovery phase...we've got the most appropriate equipment for them so they will hopefully recover quicker," Ms Kohlhagen said.
Neurological patient Kathy Crick - who has spent about two years recovering at Canberra Hospital - was thrilled with her new digs as one of the first patients to be transferred.
She became paralysed after surgery on her neck two years ago and while she currently uses a wheelchair she is determined to walk out of the hospital soon.
She was impressed with the new facility which means she no longer has to share a room or bathroom.
Ms Crick was most looking forward to trying out the new equipment and having more social time thanks to the communal spaces.
The hospital started treating outpatients on July 10 and will gradually admit more in-patients over the coming months.
Minister for Mental Health and acting Minister for Health Shane Rattenbury said the new model of care would provide better care and support, streamline appointments and save patient travel time.
“The specialised services at the hospital support Canberrans through their recovery with individually tailored care and programs for both overnight and day patients," he said.
“This new facility – focusing solely on rehabilitation services and support for people with neurological conditions, recovering from surgery, or with mental health conditions – will go a long way to meeting the current and future demands of our city.
“I look forward to seeing patients settle in as our third hospital ramps up towards full operation over the coming months."
The University of Canberra Hospital does not have an Emergency Department. In an emergency call 000 or go directly to your nearest Emergency Department at Calvary Public Hospital in Bruce or Canberra Hospital in Garran.
