The 18-bed unit opened for patient admissions last Tuesday,  and already has four patients and received six referrals.

The unit, which cost a little under $1 million, includes a large gymnasium, consulting rooms and treatment areas.

Tamara Private Hospital chief executive officer Annette Arthur said the unit serviced not only Tamworth but the wider region.

It is the only private rehabilitation unit in the region and was built in place of the maternity ward that closed last September after experiencing declining birth numbers and staffing issues.

It was decided a rehabilitation service would replace the maternity unit to provide for the ageing population, with the aim of helping older people stay in their homes and out of aged-care facilities for longer.

Ms Arthur said it would also ensure the safety of surgery patients by giving them more time to recover in hospital.

Those who had major surgery in metropolitan hospitals would be able to return home sooner by undergoing rehabilitation at Tamara, she said.

Ms Arthur said other options for the former maternity unit were considered but none would have met such a broad range of the community’s needs as the rehabilitation unit.

Dr Peter Harradine, director of Tamworth hospital’s rehabilitation ward, has been appointed director of the unit, bringing with him 20 years’ experience in rehabilitation medicine.

He joins manager Trish Thornberry and a new team of allied health professionals, including occupational therapists,  physiotherapists, dietitians and speech therapists.

Ms Arthur said it was hoped the unit would attract more rehabilitation specialists to the area.