Magical new hydrotherapy pool making waves

21st February 2024

A state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool featuring multi-sensory light and sound for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions which was officially opened this week is already a splash hit.

The project at Acorns Children’s Hospice for the Three Counties has seen colleagues dive into months of work and the complete renovation of the much-used facility after a whopping six-figure donation.

Alongside a new pool and changing rooms, a hi-tech lighting system and ambient surround sound speakers will enhance hydrotherapy sessions, which are a vital service provided by the Worcester-based hospice.

Ian Smith, Chair of the Kildare Trust at the poolside.
Ian Smith, Chair of the Kildare Trust, at the poolside.

The project – costing around £200,000 – was made possible thanks to a grant from the Kildare Trust which funded the entire scheme, and it will benefit more than 200 children who receive care at the Bath Road hospice every year.

At the pool’s official opening (Tuesday, 20 January), the first family took a dip and were cheered on by representatives from the Trust, contractors and colleagues from Acorns.

Deputy Matron Siega Benwell with Catherine Atkins, and children Jack, Oliver and Maisie.
Deputy Matron Siega Benwell with Catherine Atkins, and children Jack, Oliver and Maisie.

Becky Hughes, Matron at Acorns for the Three Counties, said: “We are thrilled to officially open this amazing pool. The project has totally transformed this important space for children and families.

“Hydrotherapy is such a vital service, actively reducing pain and giving children at Acorns a sense of movement and freedom they may not otherwise get to experience because of the use of wheelchairs or spending a lot of time in bed.

“Our new pool will also help us give families visiting the hospice for family splashes the best possible experience, enabling them to make precious memories together which wouldn’t be possible in a public swimming pool because of infection control and colder waters.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Kildare Trust for the generous donation that has made this project possible.”

Hydrotherapy helps with pain relief and symptom management and can also help a child to develop their play and communication skills. The pool will help children to be as active as possible, both physically and emotionally.

The Kildare Trust, which was endowed by the late Phyllis Richards, a Worcester farmer who died in 2021 aged 100 years old, provides financial support to charities across Worcestershire.

Ian Smith, Chair of the Kildare Trust, said: “The trustees of Kildare were delighted to be in a position to fund the whole refurbishment of this vital facility at Acorns.

“We have supported the hospice for a number of years, but this is the biggest single project we have supported there.

“It was obvious from talking to the staff and parents how incredibly important the hydrotherapy treatment is to all of the users of Acorns.

“Most importantly, after several months of work, the children can benefit from the pool and expert staff support.”

Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive of Acorns at the opening with Catherine Atkins, and her children Jack, Oliver and Maisie.
Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive of Acorns at the opening with Catherine Atkins, and her children Jack, Oliver and Maisie.

Acorns provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families.

Every year the charity cares for more than 700 children their families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, work which relies on donations and fundraising to continue.

Find out more about Acorns by visiting www.acorns.org.uk