MUSCULAR DYSTOPHY UK REPORT ON ACCESS TO HYDROTHERAPY

That this House welcomes the new report by Muscular Dystrophy UK on the urgent need to increase access to hydrotherapy across the UK; notes that many health professionals believe it improves or maintains mobility, strength and flexibility and is a good form of aerobic exercise for people with muscle-wasting conditions; expresses concern that individuals and families living with muscle-wasting conditions are being turned away from some hydrotherapy pools after being told they are only for use by people with broken bones; further notes that there are more than twice the number of hydrotherapy pools available for animals compared to those available for people; recognises the need for reasonable adjustments to be made to community swimming pools to ensure that they are accessible for people with muscle-wasting conditions; calls on the NHS to ensure that everyone with a muscle-wasting condition who requires hydrotherapy receives a referral; and further calls for a national review of hydrotherapy provision to be undertaken by the Department for Health.