The pool, next to the gymnasium, was built at a cost of $1.45 million with a grant received from the federal government through its regional health and hospital fund announcement in 2012.

Dudley Private Hospital chief executive officer Trevor Matheson said he and staff at the hospital were extremely proud of the new facility.

“This pool will have enormous benefits and will be part of our overall plan by our team here, who are very focused on rehabilitation,” he said.

Rehabilitation physician at the hospital, Dr Fran Gearon, said patients using the pool as part of the rehabilitation program would reap the benefits.

“This type of rehabilitation produces much better outcomes for our patients,” she said.

Mr Matheson said the pool is used by patients who return for four-hour day programs which include an assessment, some preliminary rehabilitation in the gymnasium, feedback sessions and the hydrotherapy pool.

“Many of the patients have had surgery with us and are referred to the rehabilitation unit,” he said.

“However, some patients have had surgery out of the area and return here for their therapy to be closer to family.”

He said an arrangement was in place to work closely with the Arthritis Foundation to provide day therapy for arthritis sufferers who would benefit from hydrotherapy to ease problems.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au