ANGER at the proposal to close Wagga Base Hospital's (WWBH) hydrotherapy pool has spread to Junee with mayor Lola Cummins calling for it to remain open.
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In March, WWBH management proposed to close the pool claiming rising costs and low patronage had made the facility unsustainable.
In a letter to WWBH management and Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire, Cr Cummins described the dismay residents of Junee shire had felt when the proposal was first floated.
The mayor said a number of shire residents continued to use the facility, often after undergoing surgery for replacement hips and knees.
"Without these facilities available within a reasonable travelling distance, the success of the surgery and the quality of life for the patient will be compromised," Cr Cummins wrote.
"Public swimming pools are not designed for, and were never intended to cater for the special needs of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
"While the Junee Recreation and Aquatic Centre does have heating, it does not meet the depth and temperature criteria for hydrotherapy use.
"The fact that it is used by members of the public for a variety of recreational or fitness pursuits, makes it less than safe for anyone using the facility for fitness purposes."
Resident Hugh Hocking used Wagga's hydrotherapy facility for eight years as part of treatment for a work-related injury.
He doubted claims the pool wasn't well used, with his treatment initially starting out as once a week before easing back to once a month.
Mr Hocking said he had been charged $8 to use the pool each time.
"It's not as if they're providing a free service," he said.
He credits his current health to the time spent with a physiotherapist.
"Without the pool, I don't know where I'd be," Mr Hocking said.
"It was an essential part of the treatment and rehabilitation.
"Just the mere fact people travel 200 kilometres just to use it illustrates that."
While at the moment Mr Hocking's treatment has changed it doesn't rule out the end of hydrotherapy treatment.
Fellow Junee resident Brian Hill has also used the hydrotherapy pool and began using it three times a week, 10 years ago.
Mr Hill said using the pool was very helpful and has allowed him to move around a lot more.
"It's not only for back injuries, it's knees and everything, it helps out so many people," Mr Hill said.
He labelled the potential closure as a kick in the guts to the people who had helped raise funds for the pool.