Tuesday, August 13, 2013
St Joseph's Health Care, London
St. Joseph’s and Partners Address Concerns and Present Existing and New Hydrotherapy Program Options
Through collaboration and planning with several community partners, St. Joseph’s Health Care London is responding to concerns of participants in the hydrotherapy pool program, set to close as a result of shifts in care and cost reductions, and is pleased to announce the creation and expansion of hydrotherapy programs to serve the needs of the London community.
“When we announced the closure of the hydrotherapy pool at St. Joseph’s Hospital, we heard concerns from our patrons regarding pool temperatures, access and the type of programming offered in current community programs,” says Karen Perkin, St. Joseph’s vice president acute and ambulatory, professional practice and chief nurse executive. “We listened to these concerns and together with our external partners looked at all viable options and are pleased to add new options and expand existing ones. We are very grateful for both the feedback received and the efforts of partners to address concerns.”
In addition to programs already offered at the YMCA of Western Ontario – London Centre Branch, programs are being created at the Boys and Girls Club of London. As well, St. Joseph’s leaders have developed a new alternative for current pool patrons at its Parkwood Hospital site. All programs will provide guided, low impact hydrotherapy classes focused on promoting the health and fitness of participants.
Through a review of the existing schedule for Parkwood Hospital’s hydrotherapy pool, currently used to provide rehabilitative programs for Parkwood’s inpatient population, open time slots were identified to accommodate the creation of four new classes. In addition, two new gentle fit classes have been created at the Boys and Girls Club of London and two existing classes at the YMCA of Western Ontario, London Centre Branch, water walking and therapy aquafit, have been identified for patrons.
This enhanced roster of options was shared today with the patrons of St. Joseph’s Hospital’s program via courier packages delivered to each person’s home.
Karen Perkin notes, “It was important that we ensure each person receive a full information package directly and as quickly as possible so that they can begin to select which programs will meet their individual needs. Like most scheduled programs of this kind, there are enrollment limits. If we find that the spots are in greater demand at Parkwood, we will offer them by lottery to ensure fairness for all current participants.”
“With changes to the provincial funding formula and the shift for services moving from hospitals to community based settings, collaboration with community partners is an ongoing priority,” adds Dr. Gillian Kernaghan, St. Joseph’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s about providing people opportunities to access programs and services to support their health needs in the right setting.”
Further details on these hydrotherapy program options can be found at http://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/hydrotherapy.
Media Contact:
Kelsi Break
Communication Consultant
519-646-6100 ext 64792
kelsi.break@sjhc.london.on.ca
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