A HYDROTHERAPY pool will open next summer at Orpington Hospital as long as an extra £50,000 can be raised.
Work on the £700,000 pool, which will help arthritic patients and those recovering from hip or knee replacements, is due to start later this month.
Over the past three years, Bromley Hospital's NHS Trust and The Friends of Orpington Hospital have managed to raise £650,000. But £50,000 still needs to be found if the pool is going to be built on time.
Therapy services manager at Orpington Hospital Diane Smith said: "The pool will be great for a range of patients orthopaedic or rheumatological conditions in Bromley and I hope the extra money can be raised in time."
Treasurer of the Friends of Orpington Hospital and chairman of the Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal Aldwyn Davies said: "Various avenues for proceeding with the pool project have been explored in partnership with the trust for some time but each had to be dismissed as problems were encountered.
"The good working relationship with the trust has found a way forward and the Friends hope the money still needed for its promised contribution will be raised in time for the pool to be completed by the end of summer 2002."
"The Friends is grateful to those who have made donations or have helped in other ways.
Anyone who can donate money should call the Friends of Orpington Hospital on 01689 815210.
November 15, 2001 16:07
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