Forres Health Centre, which has been 15 years on the drawing board, is preparing to open its doors to patients on Monday.
Around 500 patients had a look round the new facility at Monday’s open day and were given tours of the building with staff on hand to answer any questions.
The site, which cost £5.5million, offers modern medical care catering for the two GP practices.
The centre’s practice manager Theresa Byrne said: “The new facility is stunning and it has been built in such a way that we have been able to put a large amount of services under the one roof, whilst still retaining the light and airy feel.
“It is a great achievement for the architects Keppie Designs who have worked with us on various versions. One feature that I like is the short corridors which will make it easier for patients.”
Ms Byrne said that it had been a long process and the proposed location had changed several times over the years from the old Tesco to Leanchoil.
The minor injuries unit is currently housed at Leanchoil and will be transferred to the centre.
Alison Smart project manager said: “If you are unwell it saves the patient from having to go through to Dr Grays.
“We’re trying to reduce the pressure on the emergency department through there and do as much of it as we can remotely.”
The building located on Grantown Road is two tiered with health visitors and district nurses accommodated in rooms upstairs.
The outpatients clinic will be on site with minor procedures theatre, physiotherapy speech and language therapy, and an X – ray suite.
Ms Smart added: “I’m very proud of it as a project to see it come to fruition.
“I’m delighted that we have now got 21st century care that we can offer people.”
There has been worries expressed by some residents who live in the town about transport arrangements to the new site. Ms Smart said: “The regular bus service is every two hours and there is dial a bus. But we are working with Moray Council to improve the access and need to sit around the table to look at the best solution.”