Built to replace the former Kilmarnock Infirmary, it opened to patients in 1984, and today the hospital houses the national Cochlear Implant Service[2] and provides paediatric inpatient services.

[3] Work on the hospital, which was commissioned to replace the Kilmarnock Infirmary, began on the site in August 1972 with completion expected in May 1977.

[4] The contractor, Melville Dundas & Whitson, encountered difficulties with the water supply and ventilation systems[5] and the facility was only officially opened by George Younger, Secretary of State for Scotland, as Crosshouse Hospital in June 1984.

The Emergency Department specialises in bone injuries, emergencies, eye injuries, child paediatrics, tele-medecine and carries out x-ray examinations for patients.

[13] In 2009, NHS Ayrshire and Arran produced a DVD for Bliss, the special care baby charity, to help train parents in infant resuscitation.