PLAINVILLE -- It's been a long time coming, but as Bill Stahl knows all too well, it was worth the wait.

Stahl was all smiles Tuesday night as the newly constructed Rooks County Health Center's doors were opened for the first time, allowing locals to tour the 59,000 square-foot building.  "It's really exciting to see everything come together," said Stahl, chief operating officer. "It has been a long process, but I guess good things come to those who wait."

Construction of the $19 million project commenced in December 2006 after the issue overwhelmingly passed by public vote, approving the allocation of revenue bonds.

Staff and patients will be relocating to the new facility from sun-up to sun-down Sept. 22.  The move officially will begin Sept. 19 and continue through the weekend, and it's hoped the former facility at 304 S. Colorado will be vacant by 7 p.m. that Sunday.

Stahl said hospital staff has come to understand the building has been sold, but it remains unclear what it will be used for.

David and Trisha Koel live directly across the street from the original hospital, constructed in 1955. They also were among the small group invited to tour the new hospital early this week. They expressed enthusiasm for the new facility.  "I think it's much-improved from what they are in right now," Trisha Koel said. "The building that they're in right now is small, everybody's cramped, they're working with minimal necessities."

Her husband added that Rooks county residents can be proud of the new facility.  "It was time for Rooks County to have a facility like this for the people that live here," David Koel said. "We're very blessed to have the people to be able to operate and keep a place like this going, so we're thankful for that too."

Tuesday's celebration was just the beginning. The official dedication of the facility was held on Sunday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. with Congressman Jerry Moran and Governor Kathleen Sebelius in attendance and giving addresses to the overflow crowd. (Click here to read the Gov. Sebelius column on the dedication)

Looking ahead, it's hoped the space increase of 30,000 square feet and enhanced capabilities will allow for more specialization and future growth, Stahl said.  The new hospital will enable Rooks County Health Center to expand its physical therapy department and launch an occupational therapy program.  The radiology department also will be expanding, and the hospital now has additional facilities for obstetrics and an additional operating room.

Recruitment also is under way for an occupational therapist, a family practice physician and to increase surgical capabilities, Stahl said.

"In order for us to grow and keep up with the ever-changing medical world, we have to stay on top, stay on the cutting edge, or we're going to be passed by rather quickly," he said. "With the new facility, we'll be able to add new services for our county and surrounding counties, communities in the future."

Click on any of the pictures below to see areas of the new hospital: