The wheels are in motion for the Canberra Hospital's $23 million emergency department expansion, which the government promises is on budget and on track for completion by late 2016.
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A new mental health assessment unit and emergency medicine unit will occupy the six large modules craned in place over the department's access road.
The facilities will provide an additional 21 beds, including acute beds, resuscitation bays, emergency management unit beds, mental health assessment unit beds and a $5 million paediatric streaming function, so children and their families can be separated from reception.
The project's general manager, Ben Wright, said there are no expected delays.
"The modules we have put up today will be complete by the end of this year, and the whole project by the end of next year," Mr Wright said.
Minister for Health Simon Corbell said the extra 1000 square metres of floor space and a 40 per cent increase in beds will accommodate patients from Canberra and nearby areas.
Mr Corbell said this demand has been a heavy burden for the ACT government and more federal assistance is crucial for future healthcare measures.
"What we need to see from the federal government is a sustainable funding base to meet healthcare need into the future."
"We know that with the cuts made by the Abbott government there's $600 million less coming to Canberra hospitals over the next decade. They condone these cuts, we don't."
Between 2013-14, the need for emergency treatment at Canberra Hospital was higher than previous years, and it treated more than 70,000 patients.
While reducing waiting times is a driving force behind the expansion, Mr Corbell said the overall objective is better management of patient flow, which requires a holistic approach.
"The government is also doing a body of work right now to try to improve the way we move patients from the emergency department through to other parts of the hospital, because if there are blockages in other areas, it leads to delays in the emergency department."
This work is occurring over the coming months and includes improving timely discharge, pharmacy services and other hospital processes, Mr Corbell said.
The main reception will also be transformed into an open space, complete with bright colours, and volunteers will deliver food and drinks, colouring-in books and phone-charging stations.
The expansion is part of the ACT's $880 million health infrastructure program, which includes a $43.5 million secure mental health unit, also due to open late next year.
