QE Leisure Centre closure will impact hydrotherapy sessions

The Wimborne leisure centre has announced it will be closing to the public in April after Dorset Council said it would be withdrawing its funding for the centre.

Hannah Small, 44, uses the 25-metre pool multiple times a week after her GP referred her for hydrotherapy sessions.

She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was 29 and has been using the pool to help with her mobility ever since.

Hannah said: "Without hydrotherapy, I wouldn't be able to walk.

"When I came to the first session, I hobbled on two walking sticks, and now I use them much less.

"I really believe that these sessions have kept me out of a wheelchair."

Around 35 people use the pool to carry out exercises and physiotherapy techniques to strengthen muscles, relieve pain, and improve function.

Hannah said: "Everyone who uses it has a disability, and we all use the water to keep us mobile.

"It is something that, if we don't have access to it, will create medical problems further down the line."

Wheelchair users need to use the hoist to be assisted into the pool, and there are removal steps and a handrail to help people with accessibility needs get in and out.

Hydrotherapy classes help people with disabilities build their fitness and work on their balance and core muscles.

The classes offer deep-water exercises, cycling, stretching, and body workouts with pool noodles and water dumbbells.

A physiotherapist is on the poolside to provide specialised exercises and advice tailored to people's medical needs.

According to Hannah, QE Leisure Centre is the only pool nearby that offers accessible swimming classes. It was suggested that they move to a different location, but none meet the specific requirements of each individual.

Hannah said: "Hydrotherapy isn't available at other pools; we take up a lot of space, so we would need private aqua therapy sessions with a hoist, none of which are available in any of the other nearby pools."