10/05/2026
What next, you ask?
After over 3 years of asking......
WACHS has finally made the decision not to refurbish the existing hydrotherapy pool infrastructure, despite this being the fastest option to get a hydrotherapy pool operating again for the Albany community. All other viable options are likely to take years to become reality.
After more than three years of asking questions and seeking clarity, it was important to finally receive a clear answer from WACHS before time, energy and resources were invested into exploring alternative locations or new builds elsewhere in Albany.
Scott Leary MLA - Member for Albany has lodged a formal 'Question on Notice' in State Parliament to the Minister for Health for the next sitting on 14 May, seeking further information about the decision-making process. This follows months of unanswered questions regarding the future of hydrotherapy services in Albany. He previously asked with no answer. https://www.nationalswa.com/opinion-months-of-silence-on-albany-hydrotherapy-pool-shows-pattern-of-delay/
We are also awaiting a copy of the CIG Consulting Feasibility Study, which should provide a clearer picture of why WACHS decided. Most importantly, the study may demonstrate the significant community need for hydrotherapy services, evidence that could support future funding applications for a new hydrotherapy pool facility. However, remembering, any new build will take longer than the refurbishment of the hospital’s hydrotherapy pool.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the report was originally due to be released within 45 days, by 9 May, but we have now been asked to extend the deadline to 16 May, which we have. Given that WACHS has already made its decision and has the results of the study, it raises the question: why the delay in releasing the study?
Stay tuned for updates regarding:
14th May - Scott Leary’s Question in Notice
16th May – Feasibility Study under the Freedom of Information Act.
It is vital that the Feasibility Study be made public so the community can properly understand the findings, the level of need identified, and the reasons behind the decision not to reopen the hydrotherapy pool.
Please remember that the hydrotherapy pool Feasibility Study only proceeded because of sustained pressure from the Albany community through social media, local media coverage, the Change.org petition https://www.change.org/p/reopen-the-hydro-pool-at-albany-health-campus with 1,440 signatures and hundreds of comments, and advocacy Veronica Hare (Albany Arthritis Foundation) from local member Scott Leary.
Thankyou
