§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the projects that his Department funds that provide medically approved therapy through leisure and sporting outlets; and if he will make a statement. [17735]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department does not fund any projects to provide therapy through leisure and sporting outlets, although there are exercise referral schemes whereby primary care staff can refer patients to leisure centres for advice and assistance in increasing physical activity. However, I understand my hon. Friend is particularly concerned about the provision of hydrotherapy services. Hydrotherapy can be provided by the national health service and patients in the first instance should discuss their condition with their general practitioner or consultant, who can advise and refer appropriately.
927WFurthermore, I am informed that there are local hydrotherapy services in the North-East at Middlesbrough General Hospital, Hartlepool University Hospital and University Hospital of North Tees. In addition, there are special schools with hydrotherapy pools, which may be available when not being used by the children. These are:
- High Tunstall Comprehensive School in Hartlepool
- Bishopsgarth Comprehensive School in North Tees
- Whitehouse Farm School in Stocton
- New Ormesby School or Tennyman Junior School in Middlesborough have special units and possibly have pools.