Decision on fate of King’s Mill hydrotherapy pool just weeks away

The facility, that has been used by more than 200,000 people, was earmarked for closure in November but after campaigners challenged the decision health bosses backtracked and confirmed further consultation would take place before a final decision was made.

A Spokesman for Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The patient engagement has finished. There is still some stakeholder engagement ongoing. This is due to finish around November 10.”

A decision on the fate of the pool is expected soon after.

Campaigners, councillors and MPs joined the fight to save the hospital hydrotherapy pool after health bosses initially revealed plans to close it last month.

Since then a protest has taken place outside the hospital and an online petition has garnered 3,756 signatures.

Steve Walmsley who has spearheaded the campaign said: “Closing this service would leave countless members of our community without critical support at a time when it is needed the most.”

Mansfield Councillor Andre Camilleri praised campaigners and said the decision to close the facility with so little notice was “a serious failure to properly consider the needs of the local community.”

Meanwhile MP Steve Yemm has asked The Trust to provide a “full explanation of the proposal and the the impact it could have on patients.”

MP Lee Anderson met with the Chief Executive of the NHS Trust that runs Kings Mill Hospital to discuss the decision to close the hydrotherapy pool.

Hospital chiefs said last month that following a detailed clinical review a decision had been made to close the pool and focus on “land-based rehabilitation” and “therapy services” instead.

Campaigners are calling for the hospital to explore alternative funding sources, engage with community stakeholders and advocate for local government grants.