Construction is moving forward on a multiphase project to expand the Simi Valley Hospital emergency department. The first, $250,000 portion to renovate the department’s 5,600-square-foot guest lobby and patient care areas is expected to finish by summer. Construction started in January. Once completed, plans call for installing a new ER fast track system to provide care for patients will less severe illnesses and minor injuries. Both projects are intended cut patient wait times in the ER, which currently handles 50 percent more patients than it was designed to handle, and increase the hospital’s ability to provide emergency care during a disaster.