In May 2014, Cork University Hospital (CUH) Charity launched an appeal to raise funds to repair the Hydrotherapy Pool in the Physiotherapy Department at Cork University Hospital. The successful appeal is midway there with funds raised to date used to install new glass and sealant, therefore stopping all leaks and ensuring the pool runs more efficiently. Previously the pool was losing a quarter to half of its volume of water every day. The Hydrotherapy pool at CUH is the only one in Munster that is available to HSE patients.

Commenting on the success of the appeal to date Physiotherapy Manager Frances Walsh: “We are delighted to once again have a functioning pool. The pool has been leaking since 2011, therefore limiting the number of patients we could treat. With the new glass and sealant we can reduce the running cost of the pool and increase the number of patients. We’d like to thank the public for their support and generosity.”

Phase 2 of the appeal has kicked-off and the Unit is now looking to fundraise to replace the flooring in the area around the pool and the changing rooms.

The pool provides 4,000 Hydrotherapy treatment sessions to 600 patients a year, including stroke survivors, physically impaired children, those with rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and patients suffering from musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Most of CUH’s Hydrotherapy patients are referred from fracture clinics, many being  athletes with injuries sustained playing sports such as hurling, football, rugby, basketball and hill climbing.

For more information on how you can support this appeal please email [email protected]