HEALTH chiefs have shut the hydrotherapy pools at Southampton General Hospital because there are not enough staff to cover the wards.

Although hospital bosses say it is only a temporary measure, the move has been met with dismay by patients and self-help groups that rely on the pool for treatment and recovery.

Many have told the Daily Echo they believe the two pools, used by people with problems ranging from spinal injuries and diseases to arthritic complaints for more than 20 years, are unlikely to ever reopen.

Colin Steele, chairman of the Southampton Back Care Association, said: "I just don't see any logic for it. It's a very stupid thing to do because of the benefit people get from it - not just groups like us meaning we don't have to go back into hospital, but in helping people in hospital recover more quickly."

Hospital bosses today moved to reassure patients the closure was temporary.

Martin Stephens, divisional clinical director for diagnostics and therapy, said hydrotherapy staff are needed on the wards during the summer.

"We have now taken the decision to keep the pool closed for the next two months in order to increase our support to inpatient services," he said.

"We are committed to ensuring both outpatients and inpatients referred for hydrotherapy will be offered alternative forms of therapy where appropriate."

See tomorrow's Daily Echo for more on this story.