However, once that is done, the issue of who will be needed when and for what will need to be considered.
Alexandra-based former business consultant Leonie Williamson in April took on a six-month role of paid employee of the workforce development advisory group for the hospital build.
Her role was to find where the workforce might come from, and what barriers might stand in the way of people wanting to enter the construction industry.
The advisory group was formed last year to plan for an expected shortfall in the labour force required for the new hospital build.
Health Minister David Clark has said not enough workers are available in Otago and Southland to fill the demand caused by the hospital build and other planned projects.
The hospital build is expected to require more than 1000 workers, though it was announced last year the project would be built in two stages - the first stage, starting next year, would require about 350 workers at its peak.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan said Mrs Williamson had been getting in touch with as many groups as possible as part of her work as she looked at the supply side of the workforce, and what ability there was to provide training.
"There's the people side of it - how many people are there? - but also what is our ability to upskill them to carry out the work."
Mr McGowan said Mrs Williamson was producing "a comprehensive piece of work".
She was still gathering data, trying to "map out the ecosystem" of where potential sources of workers were, for instance schools, and what happened to apprentices who discontinued their studies.
"We're trying to understand that destination data - where do they go to next?"
Mr McGowan said it was hoped the work would be concluded in November.
A report would be presented at that time, with the next stage matching that information with potential demand.
An example would be if 112 electricians were needed at a certain time, and there were 52 available, consideration might be given to training some of those needed, and bringing others from out of town.
Mr McGowan said he hoped to be able to find more funding to keep Mrs Williamson on to take on the demand side of the work as well.
