A $3MILLION upgrade of Warwick Hospital's emergency department started this week with the space set to be expanded with three extra treatment bays, four new short-stay bays and three triage spaces.

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board Chair Mike Horan said it was designed in consultation with doctors, nurses.

"The work will be staged so we are hoping there will be minimal disruption to clinical services at the hospital," Mr Horan said.

Allied health services and the pharmacy will be relocated so a temporary emergency department can be set up.

The emergency department treats an average of 60 patients a day, which is a 20percent increase on last year.

An upgrade was a priority to cope with demand, Mr Horan said.

"The finished emergency department will be a significant upgrade both in terms of space and patient flow," he said.

"It is important that infrastructure keeps up with these increases so our hard-working staff can provide the best possible care to the Southern Downs community."

Warwick Hospital director of nursing Anita Bolton said temporary way-finding signs would be in place at the front of the hospital to direct patients and visitors on where to go during the construction phase.

"We know the temporary arrangements may take a bit of getting used to and we appreciate the community's patience while these works are undertaken," Ms Bolton said.

"We look forward to welcoming the community to the much-improved new ED later this year."

Relocation and temporary ED works have started this week with construction set to start in the existing ED mid-year with expected completion by November 2018.