6 October 2008
Hydrotherapy Pool Reopened
Southland Hospital’s Hydrotherapy Pool has been reopened for use by patients and community groups.
SDHB Physiotherapy Co-ordinator Dale Radford said the first therapy sessions were held last Monday, with three patients
receiving therapy.
The pool closed fifteen months ago after issues were identified with the tiling. It was refilled in late July of this
year but experienced further delays due to problems with achieving the correct chemical balance.
Mrs Radford said staff were very pleased to be able to offer hydrotherapy again, as it is an excellent form of treatment
modality.
“Patients have the support of the water and are able to mobilise more independently. The warmth of the water aids muscle
relaxation while the water resistance is an excellent aid for the strengthening process,” she said.
The pool will initially be used for outpatient treatment sessions every Monday morning, by Child Development Services on
a Tuesday afternoon and Assessment, Treatment & Rehabilitation Services for two afternoons a week.
The facilities will also be made available again to the Southland Multiple Sclerosis Society and Arthritis New Zealand
in the evenings from 13 October.
ENDS