Canberra Hospital pool to close
The Canberra Hospital warm water exercise pool will close at the end of the month when the University of Canberra Rehabilitation Hospital opens.
Some users of the pool have expressed concern at the closure, while others think Canberra can only sustain one rehabilitation pool.
User Linda Klintworth said despite the new pool opening up, the closure was short sighted and demand warranted two hydrotherapy pools.
She said people "heard through the grapevine" about the closure and are yet to be formally told by ACT Health.
"We were told the [the hospital] no longer has a need for a rehabilitation pool and that a new facility would be available at the University of Canberra Public Hospital on the north side of Canberra," Mrs Klintworth said.
"This is short-termism and false economy.
"The Arthritis and Osteoporosis Association of the ACT has utilised the Hydrotherapy Pool at the TCH for many years.
"Classes are well-attended by seniors and younger people who suffer from chronic, debilitating medical conditions as well as those preparing for or recovering from knee and hip surgery.
"All have been able to take charge of their health, fitness, mobility, independence and wellbeing. In some cases, they have been able to throw away their walking frames."
She said while a new facility was welcome it was not convenient for senior citizens in the south of Canberra.
"Many are pensioners with limited resources, and find driving or using public transport difficult at the best of times."
"Health practitioners tell us to exercise and live longer in our own homes. People who are prepared to take control of their own health and fitness will save taxpayers money. Keeping the TCH hydrotherapy pool open in the long term will ease the burden on Canberra’s hospitals and public health and aged care services."
CEO of Arthritis ACT Rebecca Davey said while it previously opposed the closure, the association was comfortable with The Canberra Hospital facility closing provided the new one would be available.
The organisation accepted it may be difficult for the government to maintain two facilities.
"When the new facility opens we hope to get greater access during the day," she said.
"While some members are concerned a understand there will be a shuttle bus between Canberra Hospital and the rehabilitation hospital.
An ACT Health spokeswoman said bringing all rehabilitation services together into the one health facility would save Canberrans from having to travel to various locations across the ACT to access these services
"The new University of Canberra Hospital in Bruce will feature a new, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool when it starts operating in July," she said.
"With the opening of the new hydrotherapy pool at the University of Canberra Hospital, the existing facility at the Canberra Hospital will cease operations.
"It has always been the ACT Government’s intention to fully transition all rehabilitation services throughout Canberra to the new facility in Bruce.
"The current pool at the Canberra Hospital has served the community well throughout its existence. However, the time has come to replace it with a new, modern facility at the University of Canberra Public Hospital in Bruce."