The Government is fast-tracking $15 million in capital funding for projects at Christchurch hospital.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says Canterbury District Health Board has identified a need to increase capacity and relocate most of the general medical service back to the hospital site.
Mr Ryall says the money will mean the DHB can relocate the outpatients facility and acute medical assessment unit. This will help reduce waiting times, meet the growth in outpatient demand and improve staff morale.
The minister says the projects will be completed in time to meet next winter's peak.