Mansfield MP invites residents to meeting on fate of King’s Mill hydrotherapy pool

MP Steve Yemm has secured a meeting with health bosses at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a limited number of constituents will be able to attend.

Mr Yemm has also asked for the closure to be paused until April 2027 and for residents who want to attend the meeting to get in touch.

He said: “This pool is used by around 1,500 patients a year. They, along with their families and carers deserve to be heard before any decision is made.

"I understand the financial pressures the Trust is facing. But I’ve asked for the closure to be paused until April 2027, so the costs, the impact on patients and the alternatives can be properly looked at before any irreversible decision is taken.”

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 final decision is now expected shortly after the ongoing stakeholder engagement concludes around November 10.

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 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.

If you use the pool or care for someone who does, and would like to attend the meeting email [email protected] or call 01623 325057.

Places are limited. If you’re unable to attend, please still share your experience so Mr Yemm can raise it directly with the Trust.