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Date: 28.03.2012
From: Trina

Subject: Save Torbay Hydrotherapy Pool

Well, the NHS is being dismantled as we speak. The latest in our area is that the hydrotherapy pool in Torbay Hospital is being closed through lack of funds. This is due to happen at the end of April 2012 so we have no time at all to protest - No one was told about this and so we have not had time to put forward ideas as to how we could keep this valuable facility open.

The hydrotherapy pool is so much more than a place to exercise. It's a safe environment for vulnerable people to meet and share knowledge and experiences, to be able to form new friendships and connect with support groups. It is also a source of expert information with trained staff who are able to help plan individual exercise programmes for patients and monitor and encourage their progress. Patients feel that using the pool is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and stiffness - And it doesn't have side effects...

We have put together an online petition and need as much support as possible to buy us a bit of time to work with the hospital to find a solution to this problem.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-torbay-hydrotherapy-pool/

Please help us by signing this petition.

Thanks!

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Date: 28.03.2012
From: Colin

Subject: Re: Save Torbay Hydrotherapy Pool

Torbay Hydrotherapy Pool was funded by the Torbay Arthritis Project , would question if they are allowed to close it after it was funded by public donations

at Truro few years ago they wanted to fill thiers in to make a physiotherapy center , just stupid people in charge of the NHS

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Date: 07.04.2012
From: allan boyle

Subject: Re: Save Torbay Hydrotherapy Pool

On the 5th January a Torbay Hospital spokesman said " There is no truth in the rumour the hydrotherapy pool is to close. " Therefore,is it closing or being relocated on the hospital site.?

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Date: 10.04.2012
From: Trina

Subject: Re: Save Torbay Hydrotherapy Pool

Hi Allan - This is a very unclear story. On the one hand the Hospital are saying it won't be closing but they have given out questionnaires to users asking how far they would be prepared to travel for hydrotherapy services: 5 miles, 10 miles, 20 miles (eg. Exeter or Plymouth) and have also asked if they felt they could use other 'normal' pools. I think the staff have also been made aware that the pool would be closing (I don't know this for sure - but I have heard this).

We are hoping that we can head them off at the pass by protesting now because once the pool has closed it will be very difficult to have it reopen again.

My reading of the situation may be that the hospital are saying that hydrotherapy services will continue ie Torbay will still refer people for hydro but they will have to travel to a different pool - which could be quite a distance away. If this is the case it means that there will be one less pool in our area and access will become even more limited.

Let's hope we are wrong! In any case though, I don't think it will hurt to let the health authority know that we patients really value hydrotherapy treatment and don't want to lose it...

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