RNSH Hydrotherapy Services

Last updated 9 October 2008

Why has the RNS hydrotherapy pool closed?

RNSH has been advised that there is no alternative to the closure of the hydrotherapy pool, as it is located on the footprint for the hospital redevelopment and any delay could have significant repercussions for the delivery of the new acute hospital and community health facilities.

Unfortunately, while the redevelopment will ultimately deliver major benefits to the staff and public, competing healthcare priorities and the challenge of constructing a new hospital on a busy inner city site require difficult decisions to be made.

Acute care services must be our priority if we are to deliver a new hospital capable of meeting the health care needs of the greatest number of people in the future.

Is there a pool in the redevelopment?

A hydrotherapy pool is not included in the RNS redevelopment - the decision to exclude a hydrotherapy pool was made by the previous Northern Sydney Area Health Service Board in 2002.

An expert panel has been asked to review the evidence for hydrotherapy and the need for a hydrotherapy pool in the redevelopment.

Will outpatient hydrotherapy services continue?

Yes, clinical outpatient hydrotherapy services are now based at the nearby Greenwich Hospital, which is less than two kilometres from the RNSH site and can offer improved access and free parking. Hospital outpatients account for 50 per cent of hydrotherapy pool users.

What about hydrotherapy services for inpatients?

Between two and four hospital inpatients per day use the hydrotherapy pool; they make up less than two per cent of users. Hydrotherapy treatment options for inpatients have been discussed with key clinicians, including physiotherapy and medical staff and alternative arrangements are now in place.

How does this affect community users?

As the Greenwich Hospital hydrotherapy pool cannot accommodate community users, we are unable to provide facilities for community users. Alternative venue details have been provided to community coordinators and pool users. There are at least six alternative sites in the area and RNSH has prepared a list (see below), including contact details, parking arrangements and bus routes, for current pool users.

Where can I find an alternative pool?

This list is provided as a guide only. Please contact the pool or service directly to confirm details before attending.

RYDE AQUATIC LEISURE CENTRE

Address: 504 Victoria Rd, Ryde

Tel: 8878 5111

Website: http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au

Built on the site of the old Ryde swimming centre, this venue was host to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games water polo events. The huge facility includes a 50m Olympic swimming pool, a 25m pool and a program pool (hydrotherapy pool) heated to 33C. Admission: child/concession $4.70, adult $5.80.

NORTH SYDNEY OLYMPIC POOL

Address: 4 Alfred Street South, MILSONS POINT 2061

Tel: 9955 2309

The Olympic Pool facilities comprise a 5-metre heated pool, gymnasium, sauna, spa, indoor 25-metre pool and café; a range of fitness activities are available.

SYDNEY ADVENTIST HOSPITAL (THE SAN)

Address: 185 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076

Tel: For hydrotherapy enquiries, please phone Physiotherapy Reception on (02) 9487 9350.

Website: www.sah.org.au

Fitness classes run at the Hydrotherapy Pool include aqua fitness, pre-natal aqua, classes for post breast surgery clients. Bookings are essential for all classes.

ROYAL REHABILITATION CENTRE SYDNEY

Address: 59 Charles St, Ryde

Main tel: 9807 1144

Hydrotherapy pool bookings: 9807 1273

Website: www.royalrehab.com.au

Two hydrotherapy pools on site. Aquatic fitness programs available. Free parking on site.

WILLOUGHBY LEISURE CENTRE

Address: Small Street, WILLOUGHBY 2068

Tel: 9958 5799

Email: willoughby@leisureco.com.au

Website: www.wlc.com.au

Facilities: Fully equipped health club and group fitness classes, 25 metre 8-lane indoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna, 2 court stadium, creche, cafe, physiotherapy, personal training. Targeted programs for fitness, and over-55s aquarobics & group fitness. Memberships available for less than $20 per week.

Public transport: Please contact the centre for information.

Operating hours: Mon-Fri: 5.45am - 10.00pm Sat-Sun: 7.00am - 8.00pm

WARRINGAH AQUATIC CENTRE

Address: Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086

Tel: 9451 8000

Facilities: Heated 50m indoor pool, fitness and seniors programs. Pool hire available. Childminding.

Public transport: Sydney Buses Route no. 142.