Patients protest over hydrotherapy pool closure

Patients staged a protest outside a hospital in a bid to save a hydrotherapy pool from proposed cuts.

Hundreds of people use the pool at King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, every year, but it was revealed last month health bosses wanted to close it.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said this had been done as it tried to save £35m this financial year and review services.

On Thursday, several patients and members of the GMB union, representing hospital staff, took a stand against the closure outside the hospital.

Liz Featherstone, 67, has been using the facility since 2024 to help her deal with pain and arthritis.

She said: "It's the best exercise I can cope with. It's made a lot of difference to me.

"I am angry. Who in their right mind has decided to close it? It's in demand, it doesn't make sense.

"I'm angry about it and so are many many others."

Emma Somes, 23, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, fractured her pelvis in a motorbike crash earlier this year and used the pool to rebuild her strength.

She was using crutches, but four weeks on, is walking unaided.

"It's made a massive difference to my life - I had no independence after the accident. This was a much more quick and progressive way to get back on my feet.

"To think no-one else can have that... it's a massive disappointment.

"It's such a valuable resource for everyone."

Other patients told the BBC the service was "life-changing" and it had helped them to potentially avoid operations, reduce pain and to stay mobile.

According to the trust, 691 patients a year use the hydrotherapy as part of their outpatient therapy treatment, with most of them finishing after one six-week block.

Some continue to pay to use it privately, it added.

This compares to 11,000 patients a year in total seen through their outpatient therapy.

The trust said it expected to save up to £160,000 a year from the closure, and land-based alternatives would be offered to people.

But the GMB said the pool was the only one of its kind in the county and was concerned what would happen to the current staff.

Cameron Mitchell, regional organiser for the union, said: "We disagree with the closure because we think it's a specialist service King's Mill is lucky to have.

"We think they can make better use of this pool and continue to keep it open to serve the patients in this area.

"At the very least, do more research, do more consultation, engage with the public, patients and staff to look at alternatives."

He added the saving was "minimal", as they believed after the first year it would save about £37,500 annually, roughly the equivalent to one nurse.

The trust previously said it had decided to close the pool, and that existing patients would complete their courses, while new referrals would be given alternative treatments.

On Thursday, it said its decision was subject to "a programme of engagement with affected patients, colleagues and stakeholders" and a final decision had not yet been made.

Simon Illingworth, chief operating officer at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: "We understand and appreciate the concern and strong feelings among those who have benefited from hydrotherapy.

"The trust's proposal to close the hydrotherapy pool follows a review of clinical, operational and financial factors - including a careful review of the clinical evidence and efficacy - which demonstrated that the therapy service could continue to provide high-quality care using a range of therapy techniques.

"Engagement with affected patients, staff and stakeholders is continuing, and their views and experiences will help inform the trust's next steps."

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