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Simple change to restrictions will transform pain relief for Victorians in need

There’s an urgent need to reopen community pools to people with a disability for hydrotherapy treatment and water-based pain relief activities that require use of a hoist.

Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull said the past few months had been extraordinarily hard on people with special needs and acquired injuries who had been denied access to the form of exercise that provides them with a level of comfort.

For many people, it’s their only reliable form of pain relief.

“Pools offer a wide range of unique treatment options for recovery and rehabilitation that aren’t possible in other settings,” Mr Bull said.

“Council pools are one of the few locations that can accommodate critical equipment, like a pool hoist, that provide relief by taking the weight off painful joints and muscles.

“But those in need are still being turned away, with regional Victorian councils forced to keep their pools closed to the public under the Andrews Labor Government’s coronavirus restrictions.

“What we need is for the State Government to realise they need to be more flexible in this situation and to allow access to those who need it.

“I have raised the matter with the Victorian Minister for Disability today and am hopeful steps will be taken immediately towards a positive outcome for those in our community who need access to their local pools for hydrotherapy and pain relief exercise.”

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