Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool Association
The pool was opened in 1979 and is a unique purpose-built facility available to any individual with a disability whether that disability is permanent or temporary. Every week the pool averages 700 users. Since 1979 the pool has been open and has been used over 750,000 times.
The Len Lee Suite opened in September 2002, costing £300,000. It adds a further two changing rooms and two high dependency private changing rooms, all connected by an overhead hoist movement system, taking users to showers, toilets and directly into the pool. Four adjustable changing beds are also available, two are fitted with showers.
The pool is managed by Mr. Paul Charlwood, with assistant manager, Mrs. Jan Platt, who have both have been with the pool since it opened in 1979. Two pool assistants make up the 'Team' at the pool, all staff are qualified in First Aid, life saving and have swimming teaching qualifications.
The pool measures 13.5 metres by 6 metres and 0.8 to 1.5 metres in depth. Warm water is the prime essential requirement for hydrotherapy treatment; the water is maintained at 92'F with the air temperature balanced to match. There are five different easy means of entry to the water. All of the pools facilities are on one level with automatic entry doors allowing easy access for wheelchair users. The interior is especially designed for people with special needs in mind and has non-slip tiling and handrails throughout. A sunken walkway along two sides of the pool allows easy access for training and safety.
A specially equipped Jacuzzi room allows several users at once to enjoy this therapy; a hoist with shower chair makes this facility totally accessible.
A full line of equipment, such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, hoists and water therapy aids are also available. There are specially equipped changing rooms with hydraulic changing tables for males and females plus a private family changing area. There are large shower areas. A lounge enables users to relax after their session and have a friendly chat and a cup of coffee in comfort.
All pool facilities are open 76 hours a week over 7 days and is fully operational for 50 weeks in the year. Please Click here for opening hours
17 Special Schools and Units use the pool on a regular basis, Resource Centres, numerous local groups and individuals. The user's age range from 1 to 80 years plus and they come from all over Wiltshire and the surrounding counties.
The users suffer from a wide range of disabilities including brain damage, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, arthritis, blindness, deafness and asthma. Other users include amputees, people with severe back problems and those recovering from operations. In short virtually any condition you can think of.
Contact name
Neil Montgomery
Address
Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool Association Jefferies Avenue (off Cricklade Road)
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 7HJ
Tel
01793 496002
Email
info@thamesdownhydrotherapypool.com
Web
http://www.thamesdownhydrotherapypool.com/