Hydrotherapy pool to help patients on the road to recovery: Minister

19/7/01
Australia's best hydrotherapy facilities were officially opened at Royal Perth Hospital's Shenton Park campus today.
Health Minister Bob Kucera said the redevelopment of the pool met a key election promise and embodied the Gallop Labor Government's commitment to investing in health.
Mr Kucera said the State Government was committed to a total overhaul of the ageing Shenton Park facility.
"During the election campaign, the Labor Party committed $3.5 million to capital works at Shenton Park," he said.
"This funding was promised to upgrade the orthopaedic ward accommodation, remodel the theatres, relocate the spinal gymnasium and re-open the hydrotherapy pool.
"We are already delivering on two of those promises.
"After being closed for 18 months, the refurbishment of the hydrotherapy pool is complete and work has now commenced on the $1.2 million project to remodel the theatres."
Mr Kucera said the Shenton Park hydrotherapy pool had required a $613,000 redevelopment to correct serious structural problems.
He said the pool played a vital role in the recovery of patients requiring intensive rehabilitation.
Among patient groups to benefit from hydrotherapy include amputees, people with head and spinal injuries, rheumatology patients and those with cancer.
It can also be used in pain management, aged care, stroke rehabilitation and for those people with multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease.
"Approximately 260 patients use this pool for physiotherapy hydrotherapy sessions each week," Mr Kucera said.
"This pool is the cornerstone of rehabilitation in this State and a wide variety of patient groups benefit from the services."

Mr Kucera thanked the staff at Shenton Park for their continued commitment to quality patient care and acknowledged the work of Royal Perth Hospital doctors, who pushed for the refurbishment of the hydrotherapy pool.
Media contact: Fran Robb 9213 7000