Understand
Patients protest outside King's Mill Hospital against proposed hydrotherapy pool closure
Overview
Patients and union members have staged a protest outside King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield to oppose plans by Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to close its hydrotherapy pool. The trust aims to save £35m this financial year, expecting the pool closure to save up to £160,000 a year while offering land-based alternatives. Protesters and the GMB union argue the facility is a vital, specialist resource that aids mobility and pain relief, and noted that a final decision has not yet been made pending ongoing engagement with patients and staff.
Key points
- Patients and GMB union members protested outside King's Mill Hospital against the proposed closure of its hydrotherapy pool.
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust proposed the closure as part of efforts to save £35m this financial year.
- The trust estimates the closure will save up to £160,000 annually, while offering land-based alternative treatments.
- Around 691 patients use the hydrotherapy pool each year as part of their outpatient therapy treatment.
- Patients praised the pool for improving mobility, easing pain, and helping them recover from severe injuries.
- The trust stated that a final decision has not yet been made and engagement with affected patients and stakeholders is ongoing.