Clutha Health First (CHF) is undergoing its first major upgrade, split over five stages, since the centre opened on December 1, 1998.
Chief executive Ray Anton said he was glad the project was coming to an end and appeared to be on budget.
''Renovating a hospital while keeping everything operating is a challenge.
''We hope to be finishing stage four soon, which will see physio services moving in to its new space.''
Once the physiotherapy department has been relocated to the Clyde St side of the building a new accident treatment area will be created in the former physiotherapy space.
The existing veranda outside the Charlotte St exit had been extended to provide more cover for ambulance staff bringing in patients, and a privacy screen erected. Minor changes were still needed improve access to the area.
One main reception area had been built and a patient lounge revamped.
An increasing demand for space, especially in the GP area, had led to the need for the facility's extension, Mr Anton said.
Key developments included an extension of the GP facilities to allow for extra consultation rooms; one main entrance and waiting area; easier access to GP, lab and X-ray services; outpatient consultants and an inpatient ward.
Clinic rooms will be increased from five to 14 and will be used by GPs and nurses.
The redesigned area would improve the management of urgent cases and ambulance arrivals, Mr Anton said. The accident treatment area would have interior access to the resuscitation room inpatient ward. It would give more privacy than the existing system of patients being treated on arrival in the GP area.
The final stage of the development will include the demolition of a building next to the hospital at 20 Clyde St (the old Findlaters building) as building code changes mean the building is not suitable for renovation. Once demolished, the resulting space will become a larger car park, in front of the new main entrance, some vehicles being allowed to exit from the car park on to Clyde St.
An official opening of the renovated building may be held in August, Mr Anton said.
A community consultation session will be held at noon on May 7 at the St John ambulance centre to discuss the building alterations, cardiac equipment, GP hours and after-hours arrangements, and to answer general inquiries.
Mr Anton said the public was welcome to attend, but he asked interested people to RSVP for catering purposes.
CHF is the Balclutha-based hospital and health centre operated by a locally owned trust, Clutha Community Health Co Ltd. It leases the building from Clutha Health Inc.
The Clutha hospital serves 17,000 people, patients coming from as far away as Lawrence, Tuapeka and Tapanui.
