DYER | St. Margaret Mercy hospitals' inpatient rehabilitation services have expanded to include a 12-bed unit at the Dyer campus.

The unit, on the hospital's fourth floor, has served 19 patients since opening Jan. 1, spokeswoman Maria Ramos said.

St. Margaret Mercy hospitals last year teamed with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to provide inpatient services to local patients.

A Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at St. Margaret Mercy unit at the Hammond campus has admitted 340 patients since opening in April.

The specialized units "have made a significant positive difference to patients requiring rehab services in Northwest Indiana," said Gene Diamond, regional chief executive officer of St. Margaret Mercy parent Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.

The partnership calls for the Chicago-based rehabilitation institute to provide direct care and administrative oversight of services delivered by St. Margaret Mercy hospital campuses.

A Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago official last year called the partnership with the Northwest Indiana hospitals "a good fit" and one that met a need in the market. Patients receiving the rehabilitation services typically are recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, amputations and other conditions.

An official dedication and blessing of the Dyer rehabilitation unit is planned for 3 p..m. today for invited guests.