Rehab pool remains closed

Photo: Google Street View

Eleven weeks after Interior Health said the therapeutic pool in the rehab unit of Kelowna General Hospital would "reopen soon," the facility remains closed.

The pool originally closed for maintenance Dec. 23, and was scheduled to open again in early January.

After Castanet first reported on the lengthy closure at the end of January, Interior Health finally responded, saying a mechanical issue with the pool lift was in the process of being repaired.

"The pool lift is a complex machine that requires specialized parts. Our facility maintenance contractor is working to complete this repair," said allied health director Donna Jansons in an email to Castanet 11 weeks ago.

"We expect the pool lift to reopen in the coming weeks, once the repair is completed."

Now, regular users of the therapeutic pool are questioning why the pool remains closed and whether IH really intends to reopen it.

In response to the latest concerns, IH issued a brief two-line email.

"It is an old facility and work is underway to get the pool reopened. The status of the pool is quickly changing, and when we have more information, we will share it with you."