The Territory Government has delivered another health infrastructure project to help Territorians live healthier and longer lives, with the completion of the hydrotherapy pool at the Palmerston Regional Hospital (PRH).

The $3.1 million hydrotherapy pool will be available for PRH inpatients and rehabilitation outpatients, who would previously have had to travel to the Darwin Private Hospital for aquatic physiotherapy.

The hydrotherapy pool will be used to carry out aquatic physiotherapy to assist with the rehabilitation of neurological and musculoskeletal injuries.

Patients with neurological impairments such as stroke, head injury or cerebral palsy and degenerative neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease will benefit from use of hydrotherapy.

Patients with multiple fractures or post-operative joint replacements will benefit from rehabilitation in a weightless environment.

Hydrotherapy assists patients with pain relief, increases mobility in joints, provides vital exercise to paralysed muscles, reduces muscle spasms, increases and improves circulation and improves balance and coordination.

The hydrotherapy pool is situated close to the PRH rehabilitation ward for ease of access.

The purpose built rehabilitation facility provides 24 beds with outdoor courtyards, rehabilitation spaces and a gym.

Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Government created 20 jobs through a project which will help Territorians have better access to high quality rehabilitative care.”

“The new facility will improve quality of life for patients and practitioners to better care for and treat Territorians with injury and illness that affects mobility and coordination.”

“Hydrotherapy enables an earlier start to regaining muscle strength, assists in pain relief and shortens recuperative times.”

Quotes from Member for Drysdale, Eva Lawler:

“Our Government is investing in Palmerston’s future and this hydrotherapy pool will bring a whole new level of service and patient care to the rehabilitation facility at Palmerston Hospital.” 

“We are listening to our community and delivering services and amenities that matter, are closer and easier for locals to access.” 

Quotes from Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers:

“As someone who has enjoyed an active life, the importance of physical activity can’t be understated. People with injury and illness now have the opportunity to regain movement and strength and experience less pain by using the new hydrotherapy pool.”

“To have such a contemporary facility in Palmerston will make access to care for improving the quality of life so much easier for a major population centre.”