Make Our Lady’s Hospice Pool Accessible to ALL Patients

We are asking Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services to ensure that its pool facilities are safe, accessible and welcoming to all patients, regardless of weight or body size.

Healthcare should be accessible to everyone. No patient should feel excluded, embarrassed or unable to receive hydrotherapy or other appropriate treatment because of their size.

Why this matters

• - Hydrotherapy and aquatic exercise can be extremely beneficial for people with arthritis, joint pain, reduced mobility and other health conditions.
• - The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on the joints and can make movement and therapy easier for people who find exercise on land difficult.
• - The current pool hoist has a weight limit of just 127 kg, meaning some patients who could benefit from hydrotherapy and aquatic therapy cannot safely access the pool.
• - Pool stairs, ladders, changing facilities, showers and seating should accommodate people of different sizes and abilities.

We are asking Our Lady’s Hospice to:

• - Review the current 127 kg hoist limit and explore safer, higher-capacity alternatives.
• - Provide suitable, weight-rated pool hoists, stairs and handrails for hydrotherapy and pool access.
• - Ensure changing rooms, showers and seating are suitable for larger patients.
• - Make sure all equipment is safe, properly weight-rated and regularly assessed.
• - Provide staff with appropriate training in dignity, inclusion and weight sensitivity.
• - Listen to patients who currently cannot access hydrotherapy and involve them in finding practical solutions.

We fully understand that patient safety must come first. However, safety and accessibility can work together. Modern, appropriately rated equipment and proper risk assessment could allow more patients to benefit from hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and aquatic exercise.

Please support this petition

By signing, you are asking Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services to review its current arrangements and take practical steps towards making the pool safer, more accessible and more inclusive for all patients.

Everyone deserves dignity, respect and equal access to appropriate care and therapy.