Calvary Riverina’s hydrotherapy pool

10th February 2016

Media Release: Riverina community is best served by Private and Public Sectors working together

Mark Doran, National Chief Executive Officer of Calvary, says the decision to work with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to provide a hydrotherapy pool is an example of the best use of health funding.

“Calvary takes the view that our communities are best served by a single health system where the sectors, private and public, complement and support each other to maximise investments in health, whether that be physical infrastructure or human resources.”

“To duplicate when not necessary is a waste of precious health dollars.”

For example, through the Riverina Palliative Care Alliance, a collaboration with MLHD, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, The Forest Centre and Calvary, we have improved palliative care services in the Riverina for the entire community.”

Calvary with public support, also treat private and public clients recovering from addiction at the Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre.”

Our contribution of land was instrumental to the establishment of the Riverina Cancer Care Centre.”

Anton Reyment, CEO of Calvary Riverina hospital, says ‘”Calvary’s new hydrotherapy pool has more than enough capacity to serve private and public patients, community groups and physiotherapists.”

Let’s be clear, we are not running the pool as a commercial venture. The fees will not cover the running costs.”

Calvary’s Mission, as a Catholic health not-for-profit organisation, is to provide support where it makes the most difference, and is the best use of resources, particularly for those who are vulnerable.”

These services and contributions are provided on the basis of need, not on the basis of profit, and are often of no commercial benefit to us.”

The hydrotherapy pool is available to:

• patients undergoing inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation within the Murrumbidgee health district
• community groups (former patients of MLHD) as advised by the MLHD. Examples include Encore Breast Cancer Support Group and The Arthritis Foundation
• private physiotherapy practices.

The pool can be made available after hours and on weekends to meet any potential increases in demand. Access for public patient groups and fees to patients are determined by MLHD.

Mark Doran and Anton Reyment are available for interviews.