Diggers were moved on to the Frankton hospital late last month - construction will begin once initial site work has been completed, at this stage in ``mid-November''.
The Southern District Health Board was granted non-notified consent in June for the $6.5million upgrade, which has been more than eight years in the planning.
At that time it was hoped construction would begin in late August and most of the redeveloped areas, including the emergency department and CT scanning facilities, would be operational from about June next year. The work will include construction of two extensions, of 294sqm and 168.4sqm.
The larger one would form part of the existing emergency department wing and would hold nine beds, including the existing seven; two resuscitation bays; a reception; waiting area; triage and consultation areas; a medical students' training room; plaster bay; decontamination area; and an isolation room.
The smaller wing would hold a ``District Nurses department'', with ``elements of hospital and healthcare service activities'' according to the consent decision.
The CT scanner and a clean utility room are also proposed in the new build, while a refurbishment of the existing hospital would include ``telehealth'' facilities and a dedicated paediatric and patient care room, including a whanau room.
The DHB has been asked for further information, but was unable to respond by deadline.
