I started having difficulty walking and kept on falling and getting injured. Physiotherapy alone wasn't enough because I'd lost 20% of my core strength and couldn't lift myself without help. However, after six months of hydrotherapy, all these challenges disappeared, and I was even able to swim again. The heat of the water is essential for my condition, Stiff Person Syndrome. Unfortunately, after the Covid-19 pandemic, many private hospitals closed their facilities, and now NHS hospitals near me in Central Bedfordshire have done the same. I rely on hydrotherapy for effective physical therapy.

The closure of warm hydrotherapy pools poses a significant risk not only to me but to many disabled individuals who depend on this service for their well-being. Hydrotherapy offers physical relief and improves mental health by providing a sense of freedom and control that many individuals with physical disabilities rarely experience. It's not just a "nice to have"—it's a necessity for so many of us.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), hydrotherapy is recognised as a valuable treatment option for various conditions, offering improved outcomes for those who struggle with movement and pain. Yet, accessibility remains a critical issue. For those of us living in Central Bedfordshire, the lack of facilities is particularly acute, leaving disabled patients with little to no alternative options.

I urge NHS England to take immediate action. By investing in accessible hydrotherapy facilities, NHS England would demonstrate a commitment to supporting disabled patients, ensuring they maintain a decent quality of life. This investment would also likely reduce the long-term strain on other resources by providing effective early intervention, reducing the need for more intensive treatments later on.

Please join me in calling on NHS England to guarantee warm hydrotherapy pool access for all disabled patients. Sign this petition to ensure that people like me can live pain-free, dignified lives. Together, we can make a difference.