The Southern District Health Board is preparing for two large department upgrades.

The current Gastroenterology Unit is to be completely demolished and rebuilt from the inside out, beginning early next month.

In its place will be a purpose-built facility, including increased clinical spaces and an enhanced recovery area.

It comes hot on the heels of work beginning on a new Audiology Unit at Wakari Hospital, which is due to open in November.

The current unit is located within Dunedin Hospital but DHB staff say the new location at Wakari will provide easier access to the unit, with parking nearby.