Hunter New England Health has defended their position on Armidale Hopsital’s hydrotherapy pool, saying they value the pool and its clients.
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The comments come in response to an article by The Express this week, whereby the healthcare giant claimed that the pool was “not a core requirement”.
“I’d like to make it very clear that Hunter New England Health values Armidale Hospital’s hydrotherapy pool and the clients who use the facility,” HNEH Executive Director of Rural and Regional Services, Susan Heyman said.
“This is why we have invested significant funds to improve water quality and carry out building repairs to ensure the pool is safe and sustainable.
“I’m sorry if the article didn’t accurately reflect this.”
I’m sorry if the article didn’t accurately reflect this.
- Susan Heyman
The Express contacted HNEH last Friday following news that the pool would reopen on July 24.
Comments by the healthcare giant that “hydrotherapy is actually not a core requirement of public health services” sparked backlash from local MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall said he was “astounded with the comments” after reading the article on Tuesday afternoon.
“While the health service has a view about a hydrotherapy pool not being ‘core business’ for them, a facility like this is definitely core business and vital to the local community,” he said.
But Ms Heyman said the comments were misinterpreted.
“We accept that the pool is aging and repairs will be required in the future,” she said.
“When that time comes we will assess the situation and work with the community to explore options.
“We also support Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall’s efforts to begin the process of planning and constructing a new and larger hydrotherapy pool in Armidale however we can.”
Mr Marshall has been in discussions with a number of passionate locals about beginning the process of planning and constructing a new and larger hydrotherapy pool in Armidale, away from the hospital.
“No one knows how much longer the existing pool will last, so it makes a lot of sense to look toward the future and ensure that Armidale always has a hydrotherapy pool for the community,” he said.
Mr Marshall said the first meeting of the working party would be held on August 7.
Jenny Bailey, former councillor and hydrotherapy pool supervisor, will head the group.
