MPs join fight to save King's Mill hydrotherapy pool
A Mansfield and Ashfield MP have joined the fight to save a lifeline hospital hydrotherapy pool as petition signatures continue to soar.
Mansfield MP Steve Yemm and Ashfield MP Lee Anderson are now behind the fight to save the facility at King’s Mill Hospital.
The news comes after an extra 1,000 people signed a petition to save the pool in less than a week with signatures now standing at 2,336.
Hospital chiefs say following a detailed clinical review a decision has been made to close the pool and focus on “land-based rehabilitation” and “therapy services” instead. It is earmarked for closure in November.
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.
He said: “I have organised an onsite visit with the Trust to see the alternative land-based therapies that are being proposed, and I will also be bringing along Ashfield constituents who currently use the hydrotherapy pool at the hospital so they can also see for themselves.
“I have also written to the Health Secretary and the NHS Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board to ask them to work with Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to keep the pool open.”
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.”
He added: “Many local people have told me how important this facility is to their treatment and rehabilitation.
“It is important that any decision is based on a clear clinical case and that the full impact on patients is properly understood before any irreversible action is taken.”
Residents fear closing the “essential, holistic treatment facility” would have a devastating impact on those with chronic pain.
The petition was set up by Steve Walmsley who has relied heavily on its facilities for rehabilitation over the years.
He said: “Closing this service would leave countless members of our community without critical support at a time when it is needed the most.”
Simon Illingworth, Chief Operating Officer at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Following a detailed clinical review, a decision has been made to close the pool and focus on land-based rehabilitation and therapy services instead, which is now common in many hospitals. As part of this process we will engage with and listen to those directly affected and provide support throughout."