THE Queensland Government has started the search to find a builder for its $3 million refurbishment of Warwick Hospital's emergency department.

Nearly 18 months after the funding was announced by Health Minister Cameron Dick, the competitive tender to complete the works was opened on December 18.

Toowoomba-based firm Aspect Architects and Project Managers was commissioned to design the new ED, which saw more than 1700 presentations in November last year.

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service board chair Mike Horan said the new design would improve patient flow through the department and improve working conditions for staff.

The latest statistics from the Department of Health revealed more than 90 per cent of patients left Warwick's ED within four hours of presenting.