A 51-year-old South Australian man has made history after becoming the first patient to be treated at the New Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Paul Panos had a kidney transplant six years ago and today went in for a regular check-up.
His health got the all-clear, and so did the hospital.
"It's like a five-star hotel pretty much ... all-in-all it's a really nice place," Mr Panos said.
"It's huge. I didn't expect it to be so big so when I drove in, it was like 'wow'.
"There's corridors that go for like 300 metres so it was pretty overwhelming."
While the new facility will not officially open until September 5, Mr Panos was one of 150 renal and oncology outpatients to have appointments at the facility over the next few weeks.
It may have received a glowing review from Mr Panos, but the new hospital has faced many criticisms, including a recent revelation that lights in operating theatres are dangerously low.
SA Health Minister Jack Snelling said any issues were being dealt with.
"Obviously there will always be a few teething issues we will have to work around," he said.
"I mean, anyone who's bought a new house will be familiar with [it].
"You walk into the house and there's always a couple of minor things that might need to be adjusted."
Mr Panos said it was an honour to be the first patient but the most important thing for him was his health.
"When I visit [the doctor] I'm sort of a little bit anxious but he always gives me the good news that I'm doing really well so I'm happy when I leave here," he said.
