Arabic version: رفض إعادة فتح حوض العلاج المائي في ألباني على الرغم من دعم الجدوى

A recent feasibility study has concluded that reopening the hydrotherapy pool at Albany Health Campus is ‘justifiable,’ yet the Western Australian government has decided against funding the necessary renovations. The pool, which has been closed since 2020, would require an investment of $1.9 million for recommissioning, along with annual operating costs of $290,000.

According to ABC News, the pool was briefly reopened in early 2023 but was shut down again due to infrastructure failures and compliance issues. Currently, the facility is drained and out of service, leaving the community without access to hydrotherapy, which was previously utilized by around 100 residents.

Local residents have actively lobbied for the pool’s reopening, citing its significant benefits for individuals with disabilities and the aging population in the region. The feasibility study highlighted strong community advocacy and clinical demand for such a facility, asserting that the pool would operate at 73 percent capacity if reopened.

Despite these findings, Health Minister Meredith Hammat stated that the pool’s reopening is not financially viable, particularly given the limited demand among acute patients and the lack of regulatory obligation to operate it. She emphasized that the existing space will be repurposed to better serve healthcare needs in the Great Southern region.

Glenys Nottle, a former regular user of the hydrotherapy pool, expressed her disappointment, noting that her pain has worsened since the closure. She highlighted the social benefits of the facility, which provided not only physical relief but also a community space for individuals facing similar health challenges. The decision to keep the pool closed has left many residents feeling frustrated and underserved in their healthcare needs.