Health scare forces Cork hydrotherapy pool to close

An organisation that specialises in helping people with intellectual disabilities and autism has closed its hydrotherapy pool following a health scare.

The pool at the COPE Foundation’s facility in Montenotte, Cork was closed on Tuesday morning after a member of staff who works at it fell ill.

The foundation’s communications manager, Caroline Riordan, said that COPE was made aware of the employee’s illness last Monday.

“Our health and safety officer was informed about a member of our staff who’d become ill. First thing on Tuesday morning the pool was closed as a precautionary measure, because of the vulnerability of the children who’d be using it,” Ms Riordan said.

She said that as yet the foundation didn’t know exactly what was responsible for the staff member’s illness, but had decided to be extra cautious and close the pool in case that was the source of any infection.

More than 250 people a week benefit from swimming or receiving therapy at the pool.

The foundation caters for more than 2,000 adults and children who use the pool.

COPE also shares its hydrotherapy pool with other schools and respite groups.

“We are getting advice from the Heath Service Executive and Environmental Health (officers). Ultra Violet treatment has been carried out on the pool as this kills infections. We are also carrying out other treatments on it,” she said.

Ms Riordan added that water samples had also been taken from the pool, which had been sent for testing.

However, it will take around 10 days before the results of these tests are known.

The staff member was last in the pool on March 11.

Ms Riordan said the hydrotherapy pool, which is primarily used for relaxation and pain relief, will remain closed at least until the test results are known.