Maitland Private Hospital CEO Brett Dennett officially opened the new 44-bed Chisholm Ward on Wednesday, which almost doubled the hospital’s previous number of rehab beds.

Mr Dennett said Maitland’s growing population meant there was an increased demand for health services and, since the first patients had been moved into the new ward late last month, it was operating at full available capacity.

He said a further seven beds would soon become available after some finishing touches were put on the final few rooms.

“We went from 24 patients to 37 and anyone who was on the waiting list, we brought in,” Mr Dennett said. “Obviously there was no question that there was sufficient demand to build the ward.”

Construction of the 44 bed facility cost more than $13 million and took about 12 months to complete.

The ward was named after famous Maitland resident and humanitarian Caroline Chisholm.

Beresfield man Wayne Moffram has spent several periods in the private hospital receiving rehabilitation care after he suffered a major stroke four years ago.

He was one of the first patients to take advantage of the new rehab facilities.

Mr Moffram said better access to television controls and light switches in the rooms were among the best practical improvements he had noticed in the new ward.

“I can’t get over how long the corridors are, it’s like a motel,” he said.