Hi there,  

My name is Rick and I’m asking you to help us keep Southport Hospital’s pool open to the public.

My wife Carol was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005 and it has been getting steadily worse ever since. Her mobility and hand co-ordination has suffered greatly as a result.   

Two years ago Carol’s consultant confirmed her MS had now progressed to secondary progressive stage and we would in all likelihood see a further deterioration but with MS no one knows when. 

Late last year Carol was offered a six month trial to receive some treatment from a physiotherapist based at nearby Queenscourt Hospice, the help and support received was amazing.  Carol started to get some movement back in her legs and could walk a few steps with the aid of a walking frame.

We were told about Southport Hospital pool and started to use it from February 2018 on a weekly basis. It has been a blessing in assisting Carol maintaining her new found very limited mobility.

With guidance from her physiotherapist she is able to carry out some stretching exercises while in the pool due to her legs being weightless. 

To say this experience has been life changing would not be overstating things. I also attend as Carol’s carer and have seen the relief my wife gets by being able to get into the water. It is of immense help.

Due to Carol’s condition we need a mixed changing area, accessibility and a hoist to get her into and out of the pool and we haven’t found anywhere in the area to match these facilities.

We’ve now been told that we are to lose access to this absolutely vital resource as Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust has decided to close the pool to the public from November 30th. We have been informed that this is due to cost issues, although we (and other users) pay to use the pool and parking at the site and the pool itself will remain in operation. 

We’ve also been told it is due to a recent CQC report commenting on a need for greater privacy for patients… but this comment was made in regard of use of the gym, not the pool.  

Carol is not the only person to rely on this facility. I’d guess that there are hundreds of others who use it to assist their recuperation or in alleviating their health problems during the course of the year.  Many have been referred by their GP.

We have asked for the numbers from the Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust along with other information but are still waiting for a reply from its Chief Executive, Silas Nicholls.  

We are now petitioning Silas Nicholls to think again and reverse this controversial decision. We appeal to him to support us in our bid to keep the pool open for local residents whose health is being greatly improved by having access to this unique facility in the area. 

Please sign our petition and help stop this extremely short-sighted measure.  We believe in the long run it will only mean yet more pressure being put on our already hard-pressed NHS as it can only have a detrimental effect on the health of local residents needing it to improve their circumstances.  

Many thanks for taking the time to read this and to help by signing the petition – Rick Halsall.