Fundraisers give hospital hydrotherapy boost (From South Wales Argus)

Fundraisers give hospital hydrotherapy boost

5:20pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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A SMALL army of fundraisers and volunteers is making a huge contribution to improving patient care at a Gwent hospital - with hydrotherapy the latest specialty to benefit.

The League of Friends at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, is providing almost £64,000 this year towards a wide range of equipment, with the hydrotherapy pool the latest to benefit, from a relining and refurbishment costing £8.305.

Hydrotherapy is a valuable aid to physiotherapists in helping patients with health problems as diverse as arthritis, back pain, and broken bones to gain pain relief or regain a previous level of fitness and mobility.

The buoyancy of water makes exercise possible for patients who could not otherwise manage such regimes.

"The pool liner had been discolouring and degrading for quite a while and this would potentially have resulted in leaking of water from the pool and subsequent pool closure," said physiotherapist Jenny Elkins.

"We are very grateful to the League of Friends for its help."

League of Friends member and hydrotherapy patient Judy Jenkins, from Abergavenny, said: "I go to sessions at the pool because it provides tremendous relief for my back pain, so I know what a valuable service it is."

Treasurer Marion Dicks said the league also provides equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen flow meters, bedside lockers and commodes, to benefit patients of all ages.

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