A NEW hydrotherapy pool has made a grand debut at Acorns Children’s Hospice ushering in a wave of joy and hope for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
The state-of-the-art device, featuring multi-sensory light and sound, officially opened in February at the Worcester hospice.
Funded by Kildare Trust, the project totalled around £200,000 to enhance the quality of care provided to over 200 children-a-year.
Becky Hughes, Matron at Acorns for the Three Counties, said: “The project has totally transformed this important space for children and families.
“Hydrotherapy is such a vital service, actively reducing pain and giving children at Acorns a sense of movement and freedom they may not otherwise get to experience because of the use of wheelchairs or spending a lot of time in bed.
“Our new pool will also help us give families visiting the hospice for family splashes the best possible experience, enabling them to make precious memories together which wouldn’t be possible in a public swimming pool because of infection control and colder waters.”
Hydrotherapy helps with pain relief and symptom management and can help children develop their play and communication skills.
Ian Smith, Chair of the Kildare Trust, added: “The trustees of Kildare were delighted to be in a position to fund the whole refurbishment of this vital facility at Acorns.
“We have supported the hospice for several years, but this is the biggest single project we have supported there.
“It was obvious from talking to the staff and parents how incredibly important the hydrotherapy treatment is to all of the users of Acorns.
“Most importantly, after several months of work, the children can benefit from the pool and expert staff support.”
Visit acorns.org.uk/strongertogether for more information.
