Following a successful trial, access to Palmerston Regional Hospitals (PRH) Hydrotherapy pool has been expanded.
The $3.1 million hydrotherapy pool is available for PRH inpatients and rehabilitation outpatients, who would previously have had to travel to the Darwin Private Hospital for aquatic physiotherapy.
Now, the hydrotherapy pool will be available for community groups, external health providers and individuals to access through the creation of an Aquatic Physiotherapy Service. A Senior Physiotherapist and Allied Health Assistant will also be appointed.
During the trial period, the facility was used extensively by antenatal classes, cancer patients, orthopaedic patients and members of the community with exercise plans.
Between April and November this year, 1433 clients utilised hydrotherapy pool classes, with all participants improving their lower limb strength and general functional ability.
Casual classes for clients with their own exercise program began in May 2022, with more than 600 attendances.
To find out about the Hydrotherapy Pool and Aquatic Physiotherapy Service contact the Palmerston Regional Hospital here
Quotes from Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
"The new facility will improve quality of life for patients and allow practitioners to better care for and treat Territorians with injury and illness that affects mobility and coordination.
"We are listening to our community and delivering services and amenities that matter and that are closer and easier for locals to access.
"Hydrotherapy enables an earlier start to regaining muscle strength, assists in pain relief and shortens recuperative times.
"With the expansion of the hydrotherapy pool use, external providers such as NDIS providers and private physiotherapists have been using the facility."
Northern Territory Government
