WA Government Rejects Funding for Albany Hydrotherapy Pool Despite 'Justifiable Case'

Albany residents are dismayed by the Western Australian government's decision to reject funding for the recommissioning of the town's public hydrotherapy pool. A feasibility study, commissioned by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS), indicated a 'justifiable case for investment,' highlighting strong community advocacy, clear clinical demand, and significant benefits for people with disabilities and older adults. Despite the report suggesting the pool would immediately operate at 73 per cent capacity, the state government, through Health Minister Meredith Hammat, has deemed the project financially unviable.

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may not be financially advantageous for WACHS given the historically low demand from acute patients, hydrotherapy’s limited priority within the current health model of care, and there is no regulatory obligation to operate the facility

Glenys Nottle, a former regular user, expressed her distress, stating her arthritis pain has worsened since the pool's closure. She emphasized the pool's therapeutic temperature and the social benefits of connecting with others facing similar health challenges. The closure leaves many, like Ms. Nottle, without accessible options, as private physiotherapy practices are often fully booked.

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supported by strong community advocacy, clear clinical demand, and the significant benefits hydrotherapy offers to people with disabilities, older adults, and other priority groups across the Great Southern Region

The government's decision, citing the pool's aging infrastructure built in 1981 and projected costs of $1.9 million for repairs and $290,000 annually for operation, contrasts sharply with the community's urgent need. While acknowledging the pool's social benefits, the government prioritized financial prudence, noting that hydrotherapy has limited priority within the current health model and there's no regulatory obligation to operate the facility. This stance has left the Albany community feeling unheard and their health needs overlooked by the state government.

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I suffer badly with osteoarthritis and as I've got older it's got worse, and I find the [hydrotherapy] pool is a temperature where it seems to help relax the body and I'm not so tense with pain