St. David's Surgical Hospital announced May 3 that its new inpatient rehabilitation unit is open and ready to serve area patients.

The rehab unit relocated from St. David's North Austin Medical Center earlier this year, expanding from 16 patient beds to 20 private rooms, according to the release. It is part of the $145.9 million expansion of the medical center announced in February. Becky Barnes, chief operating officer for St. David's Surgical Hospital, stated in the release that providing large, private rooms is ideal for longer-term inpatients staying at the rehab center after a procedure or illness.

“The relocation of our inpatient rehabilitation unit allows us to maximize the best features of St. David’s Surgical Hospital and aligns with our mission to provide exceptional care to every patient, every day,” Barnes said.

In addition to the 20 private rooms, the new rehab unit includes a few guest suites for patients’ families, a 1,200-square-foot physical therapy gym and a rooftop terrace. Patients may practice daily activities in an occupational therapy suite featuring a tub, a shower, a toilet, a bed, a fully functioning kitchen and a washer/dryer. The rehab unit will primarily treat patients recovering from a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury and amputations as well as orthopedic and neurological conditions.

This project is accompanied by efforts to expand capacity at St. David's North Austin Medical Center's main tower as well as the St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas, as previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper.