Franciscan Health Munster’s new $16.5 million addition is open for business.

The 25-bed surgical unit opened Jan. 11. The third-floor north tower expansion at the Munster hospital at 701 Superior Ave., adds about 20,000 square feet to the facility.

A few of the new rooms are considered specialty rooms that can accommodate bariatric patients, ADA patients, and patients requiring isolation, Franciscan said. The new addition brings the total number of inpatient hospital beds at the hospital to 88.

“This state-of-the-art addition was designed and built with safety, quality, beauty, and comfort all in mind,” said Sean Leahy, chief operating officer for Franciscan Health Munster, Hammond, and Dyer.

Franciscan also completed a renovation to the Munster’s site surgery department, which included modernizing four of the campus’ eight operating rooms and creating private prep, hold, recovery patient rooms.