SDLP Assembly Member for South Down, Margaret Ritchie has welcomed funding for the replacement of the hydrotherapy pool in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry.

Miss Ritchie said, “The hydrotherapy pool at Daisy Hill Hospital was closed some months ago following the discovery of a leak.

During that time, patients’ needs were met by referrals to other hospitals, or offered alternative physiotherapy.

Hydrotherapy is however, an important part of many people’s care. It is used as treatment for a range of conditions including arthritis and other musculoskeltal disorders. The treatment differs from swimming as it involves special exercises which take place in a warm-water pool. The benefits of the treatment are well recognised within the health services especially for patients suffering from arthritis in their joints.

I am pleased that the Southern Health and Social Care Trust have now been able to secure funding to repair the hydrotherapy pool and the services should be reinstated by April 2010.

I welcome this funding and hope the physiotherapy team in Daisy Hill will now be able to continue providing the very high levels of care and treatment to patients in need hydrotherapy as part of their care plan.”

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