Keith Wardle, a 77-year-old father from Hazel Grove, Stockport, has condemned the planned closure of the hydrotherapy pool at Stepping Hill Hospital, calling it a 'disgraceful' decision that will undermine his recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome. The pool, which he described as a 'lifeline' and 'lifesaver,' is scheduled to close on 30 September 2026, according to the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
Diagnosis and Rehab Journey
Wardle was on holiday in Boston, USA, in October 2022 when he suddenly collapsed. Rushed to hospital, scans revealed Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition affecting senses and movement. He was ventilated and unconscious for about a month before being flown back to the UK by air ambulance. Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, he was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital, where he spent two weeks in intensive care. He later transferred to a specialist rehabilitation centre, where he had to relearn walking and basic tasks like brushing his teeth.
Hydrotherapy as a Lifeline
After returning home, Wardle began physiotherapy, including sessions in the hydrotherapy pool at Stepping Hill. Hydrotherapy pools use warm water to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and reduce joint stress through buoyancy. After initial sessions with a physiotherapist, he booked weekly sessions for independent rehab. 'It has given me the opportunity to exercise myself in controlled conditions. It has given me dignity and helped me build my confidence. The benefits have been incalculable,' he said.
Wardle noted that balance is a major issue due to his condition: 'I can't stand on one leg and if I close my eyes, even with two feet on the ground, there's a chance I could fall. With the pool it doesn't matter too much if you fall, you're not going to seriously hurt yourself.'
Closure Announcement
At the end of June 2026, Wardle learned that the trust would close the facility on 30 September 2026. As part of a transition, patients are being transferred to other services, and Wardle has been told he cannot book further sessions. He fears his recovery will be 'seriously slowed down' as a result. He has contacted his MP, Lisa Smart, to urge the trust to reverse the decision.
The trust stated that the decision followed a 'detailed review' citing 'significant' running costs and 'estate, compliance and operational pressures.' A spokesperson said: 'Following a review of clinical need, best practice guidance and sustainability, our hydrotherapy unit will close on 30 September 2026. Patients will continue to receive support through alternative evidence-based rehabilitation pathways. While we recognise hydrotherapy has been valued by many, our priority is to provide rehabilitation services that are safe, effective, clinically appropriate and sustainable for the wider patient population.'
Financial Impact on Patients
Wardle researched private hydrotherapy pools, which require an assessment costing around £85 and then about £25 per session, compared to £7 at Stepping Hill. He said this is 'too much' for him and likely out of budget for other patients. 'I appreciate it won't be cheap to heat the pool and run it, but I think it's a cost worth bearing,' he said. 'I can't put into words the difference it has made to me and I know I'm not alone. I know people who travel on two or three buses to get here. It's also not just outpatients but inpatients as well.'
Wardle accused the trust of making a 'financially driven decision' by people 'only thinking of the bottom line,' who likely have never used a hydrotherapy pool and 'don't fully understand it and the difference it can make.'
