I had hundreds of dealings with people with chronic pain/illness, disabilities, injuries, elderly people and war veterans with injuries to name a few.

Any doctor, physiotherapist or related professions will tell you that gentle exercise in warm water can be a great help for rehabilitation, recovery and comfort for all these health issues.

The suggested temperature of the therapeutic water is around 33 degrees and upwards. In other words, a hydrotherapy pool operating for that specific reason.

No pool l managed or knew of came remotely close to that temperature. Suggested temperature for a swimming pool is 28 degrees. A little warmer for a toddler pool.

The only pool in this area that catered for the people in need was the Albury Wodonga Health hydrotherapy pool in Albury.

I would suggest to the people, or their carers, they use that facility and feedback l received including was always positive.

I find it exceptionally disturbing that the CEO of Albury Wodonga Health stated he compiled a list of alternative pools to use. None of these come remotely close to the temperature or the needs of the people. Nor can they be expected to manoeuvre around splashing children and lap swimmers in cool water with their injuries and disabilities. 

It is a complete insult. 

I want to express my disappointment that the management of Albury-Wodonga Health apparently put saving money ahead of the pressing needs of a wide range of recent users of the hydrotherapy pool at Albury Hospital, including some young adults with severe disabilities.

The pool closure will also deprive all those in the area who require hydrotherapy from now until a new facility is ready to use.

Surely the existing pool, which has been properly cleaned, serviced and remains at a ready-to-use temperature, can be utilised until the proposed pool in Wodonga becomes a reality. Closing the pool at Albury Hospital prematurely is a backward step which would not meet with the approval of the tough-minded people who settled this area; they would surely find a way to use a serviceable, existing resource to meet the needs of local people. 

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I am appalled and extremely disappointed to hear that Albury-Wodonga Health appears to have no immediate plan to assist the large number of residents who rely upon the important health benefits of the currently 'unavailable' hydrotherapy pool.

This is yet another example of the inadequacies of our current health system!

It is high time that governments at all levels gave greater priority to funding infrastructure and resources that are needed now to meet the health needs of those who are suffering chronic pain.

The 550 or so people who rely on the hydrotherapy pool for much needed pain relief and the maintenance of good health deserve much better!