Medical charity donation will speed up patient water rescues

The pool extraction board was funded by the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity for the Park Rehabilitation Centre, on Badsley Moor Lane.

It replaces a much older model, allowing hydrotherapy pool users to be saved in a flash if they become unwell.

The new design, by the Royal Life Saving Society, means just two staff are needed to evacuate anyone who falls ill in the water.

Centre co-ordinator Adam Hurrell said: “Our patients tend to be recovering from musculoskeletal injuries or a stroke.

“They may have long-term conditions which they undertake rehabilitation sessions for or manage with regular exercise.

“Members of the public also use our pool and are usually previous patients who feel reassured there are trained pool staff on standby if needed.”

He added: “The board’s new design means the safety straps are more durable, it’s lighter and easier to carry.

“We know the benefits swimming can have on people’s health and well-being, particularly for those recovering from illnesses or injuries which require gentle exercise, so we’re really proud to be able to make it as safe as possible.”

The new pool extraction board requires just two trained users, instead of the usual four.

Staff can remove a casualty from the water in just 90 seconds, according to the Royal Life Saving Society.

It can bear patients weighing up to 182kg and can be used in water of any depth.

Gabby Atmarow, chair of the charitable funds committee, said: “The new board is a wonderful example of how your fundraising can really make a difference to patients.

“It means we can replace a piece of equipment with an enhanced, more modern and lighter version.

“This provides greater benefits to both patients and staff and we’re delighted to be able to fund it.”

For more information about supporting the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, contact Suzanne Rutter on 01709 426821 or [email protected].