The hydrotherapy pool at Airedale General Hospital has reopened following renovation work, thanks to funding from Airedale Hospital and Community Charity, the official NHS charity for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.  

The pool, which has helped provide treatment for thousands of patients over the years, was recently unveiled in a small opening ceremony. Peter Loss, a physiotherapy patient from Threshfield, did the honours and cut the ribbon to officially open the pool. 

The hydrotherapy pool is used in rehabilitation programmes, especially for patients who may be unable to exercise otherwise for various reasons. 

The physiotherapy team have used the facility to treat thousands of adults and children with many different conditions, helping them to regain and improve independence, reduce pain and increase strength and fitness. 

Hydrotherapy reduces the strain on joints and can be used to improve mobility, balance, stability, and muscle strength. A hydrotherapy pool is warmer than a typical swimming pool and the warmth is used to assist with relaxing muscles and relieving pain. 

Airedale’s physiotherapy team made a big splash and helped to raise funds for the ‘Make a Splash’ appeal to renovate the pool. They took part in the Skipton Rotary Dragon Boat Race, held a raffle, and organised fun fairs to raise the funds. 

Jo Sainty, physiotherapy professional lead, says:  “We recently reopened the pool and Peter, a service user who supported our fundraising efforts, officially opened it.  The hydrotherapy pool helps patients with many different conditions to regain and improve independence, reduce pain, and increase strength and fitness. We use it on a daily basis to treat adults and children post injury, surgery or for medical management.  We’re really grateful that Airedale Charity supported us with the renovation. It has meant that our patients are able to use the pool once again, to help with their physiotherapy and recovery.” 

Peter Loss, a physiotherapy patient, says:  “I donated some pictures for the raffle that the physio team held to raise money as I wanted to thank the team for everything they’ve done for me. I’m glad to have helped in some way.  I was honoured to have been asked to cut the ribbon and officially open the pool. I’m pleased that it is reopening; it will make a huge difference to lots of people, not just myself.” 

For more information about Airedale Hospital and Community Charity, please visit their website www.airedalecharity.org.