Hydrotherapy Pool staff were told not to speak to patients about closure plans collective grievance reveals - HEART principles contradicted

 

 The Trust's HEART principles explained

 

Staff at Northwest London University Hospitals Trust have lodged a collective formal grievance against the management over the closure of the Hydrotherapy Pool at Northwick Park Hospital. The grievance claims that the Trust did not follow its own HEART principles (Honesty, Equity, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork).

 

They believe the Trust failed to be truthful and open having instructed staff to not tell patients about the closure contrary to the Duty of Candour. That failure to properly inform patients and stakeholders worsened the situation when patients asked for information and had to be refused even when there was highly visible campaigning about the closure and an online petition.

 

 The Trust's determination to close the facility regardless was revealed in a letter to Barry Gardiner MP from Pippa Nightingale the Trust CEO. Confirming the closure, a month later than planned, on August 30th she wrote (my emphasis):

 

 We are engaging with our Patient and Carer Participation Group about the pool closure and will take into consideration any concerns that are raised through that forum. While this discussion will not impact upon the decision, it may affect the way in which we manage or communicate the change.

 

Part of that communication is to inform patients about other local hydrotherapy providers including the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. Nightingale claims this is a larger facility with accessible steps and a hoist.

 

Staff respond:

 

RNOH does have a hydrotherapy pool, but it does not provide instructor led classes for self-funders, the capacity required to take any further patients and lacks the required transport network for patients. It is not in a position to provide similar services to those provided at NPH. The statement that the Trust may develop partnerships with public/private pools is vague and ignores the established fact that these pools are not at the required temperature for patients with disabilities.

 

Current charges for self-funded classes are double the price at RNOH compared to Northwick Park. The department recognizes the higher than average poverty levels in Brent and the large number of patients on low incomes in Harrow and have consistently reviewed their pricing strategy in order to keep it financially sustainable for the Trust whilst still affordable for the communities it serves. 

 

Our own discussions with RNOH indicate they are not in a position to increase their capacity to take on more patients and are not able to offer classes on the scale that NPH currently does.

 

The grievance notes:

 

Local authorities have the right to scrutinise NHS service changes. If a local authority deems a proposed change to be substantial, it can require a formal consultation.

 

The leader of Brent Council has expressed concern about the closure and the fact that the Council were not made aware, nor patients consulted.  We are unaware of any opportunities that the local councils, GPs or patient groups have had to review and scrutinise the proposals to close the pool.

 

The grievance challenges key aspects of the Trust's case on finance as well as the Equality Impact Assessment and Health Inequalities Assessment:

 

The QEIA labels gender and religion impacts as “neutral”, despite the closure disproportionately affects women, including the only women-only hydrotherapy sessions in the area—essential for cultural and religious inclusivity. This overlooks clear equity implications and may not be compliant with the Equality Act 2010.

 

The grievance document concludes:

 

Conclusions

As already demonstrated above, the Trust’s actions to date have repeatedly shown little or no adherence to the Trust’s own values of Honesty, Equity, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork.

Of particular importance is the lack of honesty in communicating with the public, the unequitable treatment of patients with disabilities for whom hydrotherapy may represent their only safe and effective form of exercise, the lack of accountability of the executive team when invited to discuss the proposed changes, the lack of respect demonstrated to patients, staff and local communities and a complete lack of teamwork in regard to finding a workable resolution.

Whilst we understand the difficult financial position that the Trust is in and appreciate that difficult decisions must be made, we believe there is no apparent immediate or longer-term financial gain from this action. Even if there were any financial gains these should not, in keeping with the ethos of the Francis Report, be placed at greater importance than the long-term health of our patients.

We recognise that the Trust needs to increase activity in key areas like cardiology but there is no evidence that closing the hydrotherapy pool will improve activity in these areas. Contrary, evidence would suggest that closing a major provider of exercise opportunities to those at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (such as older patients and those with rheumatological conditions) would increase the overall strain on those services.

The Government’s 10-year plan emphasizes the importance of physical activity and seeks to integrate it into the lives of individuals, particularly in areas with high levels of health inequality. The self-funded classes delivered in hydro offer a perfect example of what this means in practice delivering high quality care to the community to assist patients with chronic conditions manage their health independently.

Although we accept that within that 10-year period it may be preferable for similar services to be offered in the community, such services do not currently exist and to withdraw the services currently offered without mitigating against this appears to be a breach to the Trust’s duty of care to its communities.

In summary, we are seeking:

That the hydrotherapy service is maintained as is, until an evidence-based review is undertaken, with financial transparency and relevant clinical input. This will involve physiotherapy team managers, consultants, and patient representatives, and if needed should be able to investigate alternative models to keep the service open - while not compromising the essential reform needing to be undertaken elsewhere in the trust.

That the Trust recognises that it has acted in a way that contradicts Trust values, damages trust from staff and patients, and demanded that staff act in a way that we perceive as in conflict with the HCPC standards that we are required to abide by. We want to see a commitment to do better – and an apology to affected patients.

 

LINK TO THE PETITION AGAINST CLOSURE

Brent Council confirms they will not provide a designated off-lead area for dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery

 

 

Back in March 2025 LINK when Brent Council decided that all dogs should be kept on a lead in Paddinton old Cemetery they undertook to:

[Consider] the creation of a designated enclosed off-lead dog area within a section of the cemetery, subject to further consultation with residents. 

Today the issued a statement announcing their decision NOT to provide such an area:

Brent has confirmed that plans for a proposed enclosed area for dogs in Paddington Old Cemetery will not go ahead.

 

The decision was made following a comprehensive public consultation and review of community feedback.

 

More than 300 people, including local residents and grave owners, had their say. Almost two thirds of the respondents opposed the creation of a designated, secure space for dogs to exercise off-lead.

 

"We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts during the consultation period," said Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support and Culture. "We received a significant amount of feedback highlighting both a degree of support and concern. Ultimately, and it became clear that the proposed enclosed dog area did not have broad enough support to justify moving forward."

 

Concerns raised included the potential impact on suitability of a dedicated dog exercise area within the setting of a cemetery, which many described as a place for peace, remembrance, and reflection. 

 

Several respondents also expressed reservations of the potential for increased noise and activity in a space intended for quiet mourning. Other issues raised included the long-term management and enforcement of an enclosure for dogs, particularly in relation to dog control, maintenance standards, and the possibility of misuse.

 

While the enclosed area will not be developed at this time, Brent remains committed to ongoing dialogue with residents about how best to accommodate dogs and their owners in public spaces. In June, self-closing gates were installed on all access points leading into the designated off-lead dog area at Tiverton Green Park in Kensal Rise.

 

 

At last NHS Trust makes a statement on Hydrotherapy Pool Closure - and its not good news for users

In a story filed today the London NW University Hosptal Trust at last made a statement to Grant Williams, local Democracy Reporter on the Hydrotherapy Pool Closure.

A spokesperson for the LNWUH NHS Trust told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): 

“While we understand that the pool is a popular resource for a small number of patients, it is mostly used by private users. Hydrotherapy is not usually provided in acute hospitals, and the new NHS 10-year plan makes a clear distinction between services that should be provided in acute hospitals and those best provided by community services.

“Our hospital resources must therefore be focused on faster diagnosis, expanding surgical and outpatient services, and providing effective ward care so patients can be discharged promptly and treated equitably.”

 FULL STORY 

 

The CHANGE petition opposing the closure now has 2,200 signatures LINK

Monday's Cabinet to rubber stamp amalgamation of Malorees schools despite opposition at the Statutory Consultation stage

 

The Malorees Orchard - the freehold was donated to the junior school by Network Housing

A week into the school summer holiday the Brent Cabinet will decide to go ahead with the amalgamation of Malorees Infant and Junior Schools at Mondays Cabinet despite opposition from the majority of respondents to the statutory consultation and the NEU group at the schools.

The Cabinet report outlines consultation responses:

There were 89 individual responses to the formal consultation, compared to 115 during the informal consultation. Three respondents sent two separate responses and for the purposes of this analysis their comments have been grouped together and will be considered as a single response from each.

 

In addition, a bulk submission was received in the post of a duplicate letter that had been signed by 46 respondents, 5 of whom also submitted an individual response.

 

Of the individual responses, 18 (20.2%) indicated support for the proposal which was more than in the informal consultation and one from staff included12 signatories. 61 individual responses (68.5%) indicated an objection to the proposal and 10 (11.3%) commented on the proposal without indicating either support or objection.

 

• Of the individual respondents indicating an objection to the proposal:
• 43 expressed concern over the financial impact resulting from the amalgamation.
• 38 suggested that the consultation was either flawed or lacked clarity or transparency.
• 33 expressed concern over the uncertainty of the rebuild project.
• 32 suggested that an amalgamation had no benefit or was not in the school or children’s best interests.
• 24 expressed concern over the transfer of Malorees Junior School land to the council.
• 8 suggested that the assumptions presented in the statutory proposal were either wrong or optimistic.
• One suggested that the amalgamation would result in redundancies.
• Five respondents indicated an objection without including additional comments.
• In a letter to the Governing Board, 30 of the 67 staff at the school stated their objection to the proposal due to the loss of circa £180K of funding from the school budget because of the amalgamation, despite support for the whole school building project. This view was shared with the Local Authority outside of the consultation time frame by the school’s NEU representative.

The Authority admits to a mistake at the informal consultation stage (my emphasis): 

The Q&A section of the informal consultation document stated in error that if the majority of respondents did not support the proposal, then it would not proceed. The document should have made it clear that the merits of any concerns or arguments would also be taken into account. This was raised as a concern at the Cabinet meeting on 7 April, when the decision was taken to proceed to statutory consultation.

They argue that they went above and beyond what was legally required at the formal stage:

The formal consultation has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and by following the statutory process set out in Department for Education guidance Making Significant Changes to Maintained Schools and Opening and Closing Maintained Schools. During the formal consultation process, the Local Authority and the Governing Board did more than is required under the statutory process to listen to views and provide reassurance to stakeholders to address concerns that information had not been shared openly and transparently during the informal consultation. This includes a meeting with parent representatives and providing parents with a detailed Q&A document on 19 May 2025.

They admit that there may be refurbishment, rather than a completely new building for the amalgamated school;

Uncertainty over the capital investment proposals: The Governing Board and Brent Council acknowledge the responses that raise concerns about the certainty of the capital investment proposals, including whether the schools will be rebuilt or significantly refurbished. Whilst a new school building will always be a preference, and one that will be advocated by the Governing Board and the Local Authority, a significant refurbishment will also provide a vast improvement to the current buildings and the learning and working environment.

They rely on undertakings from the DfE although despite current very tight budgets and escalating building costs:

The Governing Board and the Local Authority have a written commitment from the DfE to the delivery of a single capital investment solution for both Malorees Infant and Junior schools as part of the School Rebuilding Programme if the schools are amalgamated as one school by April 2026. While the full details of the project are not yet known, the DfE is already progressing a one-school solution which has involved to date undertaking significant survey work of both school buildings and sites. The DfE has provided an indicative project timeline that anticipates the project scope to be determined in the autumn term, for planning permission to be submitted by June 2026, for construction works to start in September 2026 and project completion to take place by December 2027. The DfE is being proactive in ensuring the capital build project moves forwards swiftly with the full involvement of school leaders and governors in the decision-making process. As more information on the project becomes available this will be shared with children, parents and staff on a regular basis.

There has been confusion over the financial loss to the schools of amalgamation, tha basis of the NEU's fears,  and the details are set out:

Financial Impact: Upon amalgamation the combined school will only be eligible for one lump sum (an allocation from the Dedicated Schools Grant provided to individual schools to support fixed costs that is currently £170,000 a year) and one sports premium allocation (£16,600 a year). The lump sum reduction will be tapered over 3 years starting at the earliest in the 2026/27 financial year. From the financial year after amalgamation, as one school there would be a reduction of 30% of the lump sum currently allocated to the Junior School plus the whole of the sports premium lump sum, equating to circa £67,000 based on the current funding allocation. In the following year, the school would lose 60% of the one lump sum (£102,000) and by 2028/9 the whole of one lump sum.

Again the Council is confident that this can be handled:

Alongside potential savings from reduced administrative and subscription costs, a significant reduction in maintenance costs is expected following capital investment in the school’s buildings through a single capital investment solution within the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme. The school currently incurs a minimum of £50,000 general maintenance costs a year linked to the poor condition of the buildings that will not be required going forward, with the current financial outturn confirming over £100,000 of spend. These costs would continue to increase given the condition of current school buildings. Capital investment will also make the school’s accommodation more energy efficient, saving expenditure on energy costs (estimated as up to £5000 a year).

 The Cabinet paper argues that an amalgamated school will be more popular with parents and that pupil numbers would increase when Islamia (if?) moves out of the area to the Leopold site (consultation in progress).

The Council states that they have no plans for the additional land, including the orchard that they would take over and promise it would remain educational land, needing permission of the DfE to dispose of for any other purpose. 

Cllr Gwen Grahl, lead member for schools, summarises the local authority's perspective:

Where infant and junior schools choose to amalgamate, this is supported by the Local Authority for the many benefits for children, staff and the school,including consistent leadership and teaching practices, a single overarching identity for the school and the wider community and strengthened sustainability through economies of scale.

KILBURN FESTIVAL- tomorrow at Grange Park 11am-6pm 'A day of friendship and fun'

 

Letter: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy oppose closure of Northwick Park Hydrotherapy Pool and support petition. 'NHS should not be driven by profit.'

 

 LINK TO PETITION

 

Dear Editor,

I went for my weekly hydro session yesterday.  The Physiotherapists have had the attached leaflet printed and are handing out to patients. They feel very strongly that the pool should be saved. I am told there has been no consultation with physios.   The pool is used by patients from Rheumatology, Neurology, Musculo-Skeletal and Paediatric specialties.

All of the users yesterday were dismayed that the pool is to close. They have not been consulted.  

 

Of course many of us could find swimming pools to exercise in (alone) but the water in those pools is much colder than that in therapy pools and for most of us, suffering from Rheumatological and other diseases this would prove counterproductive.  

Everyone wants to fight the closure and we will do our utmost but the fact that the same Trust did away with the pool at Ealing Hospital sometime ago doesn't give me much hope!

Thanks,

 

 A patient.

 

 

Northwick Hospital & NHS Trust 'disrespecting' staff and patients over what appear to be secret plans to close the much needed Hydrotherapy Pool funded by donations. Link to Petition.

November 2014: A hospital group held a party to celebrate raising more than £90,000 to buy new patient equipment.

The League of Friends of Northwick Park Hospital has donated the money to pay for a sensory room, a hydrotherapy pool and gym equipment. 

 

March 2020: Publicity after refurbishment of the Hydrotherapy Pool at Northwick Park

 

  JULY 2025: Silence from North West London University Health Care

Many readers have drawn my attention to a Change petition opposin the closure of the hydrotherapy pool at Northwick Park Hospital. I have spent the last few days trying to confirm the closure decision, seeking documents online providing reasons for the closure and details of any consultation undertaken and several times asked the Trust's press office for a statement.

The result has been silence so I have very little to go on but have decided to go public despite this and publicise the petition. Plans such as this should not be kept secret as they affect the public in Brent, Harrow and surround areas and, of course, the Trust should be publicly accountable. The Trust was not shy of publicising the pool in earlier years and its website still mentions the provision:

 The Northwick Park Hospital website today

 

   

The petition to NHS Trusts, Board of Northwick Park Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital:

Every day, I grapple with chronic pain and discomfort, and for me, and countless others like me, the hydrotherapy pool at Northwick Park Hospital is not just a facility; it's a lifeline. It's one of the very few forms of exercise that alleviates our suffering. Unfortunately, we are facing the closure of this essential service, an act of cruelty by the hospital board that could have severe consequences for our community.

Northwick Park's hydrotherapy pool is the only one of its kind within miles, providing a unique and irreplaceable service to those with severe pain. People from all over London come here to seek relief because other services are simply not available to them. This closure means taking away the only method of physical relief many patients can tolerate and benefit from.

But this pool is more than just therapeutic relief; it's a community hub. For many patients, this is their sole opportunity to connect with others who understand their struggles. The closure would not just remove a crucial health service, but also heighten the isolation faced by people with chronic illnesses.

The impending closure could also mean that patients would have to endure increased pain and reduced mobility, as they no longer have access to the specialized care provided by hydrotherapy. This decision could lead to deteriorating mental and physical health outcomes for many individuals.

Please join me in urging the board of Northwick Park Hospital to reconsider their decision. We need to keep this vital lifeline open for all those who rely on it. Sign this petition to keep the hydrotherapy pool at Northwick Park Hospital open and accessible for the community that depends on it. Act now to stop this closure. 

Currently the petition has 1,995 signatures. The issue is urgent as I understand the plans is to close the pool at the end of August when so many people will be away. SIGN HERE  

A contribution from a member of staff under the comments section of the petition suggest that both staff and patients have been treated wuth disrespect in the way te proposal has been handled:

I left the LNWH NHS Trust yesterday and I still feel the urgent moral duty to protest the closure of the hydrotherapy pool that I have referred patients to countless times. It is a vital treatment method for the physiotherapy department. The patients that are referred to hydrotherapy are often post-traumatic injury, or people with severe arthritis, or severe back arthropathies which cannot be managed surgically. This means they rely on the pool for their only possible form of exercise to maintain a sense of a community, enjoyment, and slowing their condition worsening. With no appropriate alternative, many of these patients will not leave their homes other than hospital appointments and feel even more isolated. 

I believe the executive board are closing it as a change of strategy to move any service that can be managed in the community, to the community. The announcement has been immediate and without due process which should have included stakeholders in the community, the physiotherapy department, the 'League of Friends' charity (who paid to refurbish the pool and were not informed of the plan to close it), and the local council. I am aware that this is not an essential part of the process to close the pool and the Trust is trying to cut their overheads as soon as possible given the recent political manifest. 

However, the method that they are using goes against all of the Trust's own values, and having spent the last 5 years abiding by the same values, the disrespect to both staff and the community alike is astounding. Personally, I have no issues with the change of strategy, However, I believe the pool should remain open. Whether this remains under the  Trust's management, or until an appropriate community trust / organisation can take over, or a suitable alternative is provided. Please show your support for the physio team at the NHS trust and for the patients we try to help.

 Another comment  stresses the contribution of local fundraisers to the Hydrotherapy Pool:

As a NPH disabled staff member of 44 years and a hydro patient for roughly 25 years (until covid started) I am disgusted to hear of the threat of closure of the Hydrotherapy Pool. This pool has been a lifeline for thousands of patients over the years. If it had not been for the hydro pool i would of been disabled off early retirement years ago as nothing else helped with my multiple joint pain from various forms of arthritis. A bit of a back story. This pool would not have been built in the first place if it was not for the charity work of the League of Friends for round about 5 years of buy a bug campaign. Back then this was on all the news channels and you could not walk the high streets in Wembley or Harrow without seeing charity bug sellers. Even Wembley stadium and arena events they had bug sellers. It will be such a shame if this closure goes ahead.

A patient I see regularly at my allotment site and have noticed the improvement in her condition wrote:

I am so disappointed to read this news!! Over the past 21 months my hydrotherapy sessions at Northwick Park have been so therapeutic and have improved my mobility tremendously allowing me to walk and move around without constant pain. Regular sessions have helped me not only to improve physically but have also provided mental health benefits through speaking with others in a similar situation. This form of non weight bearing exercise is essential. Please reconsider your decision NPH.

A member of the public has filed a Freedom of Information request asking who is responsible for decision making about the service, reasons for closure, what consultation had been done and what other alternatives were considered. They also asked for minutes of relevant meetings.

In a message to Wembley Matters, Linda writes:

I have been going to the hydrotherapy pool for a long time. I am not sporty and not good at exercise, so it helps me by providing a routine of exercise each week. We have an intensive half hour led by a physiotherapist. I go to a lower limbs class because I have had two hip replacements, and it has helped to strengthen my muscles and improve my balance, both before and after operations. Balance is fundamental because hip replacements are never as strong as your original ones, so you must not fall. The support of the warm water helps you to do things that are too difficult to do in normal exercises on the ground. I also have some problems with my knees, but it has helped me enormously to do exercise without pain. The water supports you, so you don't hurt yourself by falling whilst doing the exercises. If I miss a week or two I can feel stiffness coming back, so I need to go regularly.

 

The people who go to the same weekly sessions also get to know each other. There was a very elderly woman who came recently who had a lot of trouble walking and needed help to get into and out of the pool. After a few weeks she was getting in and out easily by herself and was much more mobile. Most people are older, but sometimes younger people come for the therapy after accidents and injuries.

 

I would hope that Brent Council and our councillors will be taking up this issue and the decision called in for scrutiny.

 

 

Desultory response from Cllr Krupa Sheth on the future of the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre despite passionate pleas for children's engagement with nature

 

 

Leo Batten, who helped set up the Wesh Harp Environmental Education Centre more tha half a century ago made a passionate plea for its continuation at yesterday's  Welsh Harp (Barnt and Brent) Consultative Committee.

Unfortunately the responses were far from positive. Leslie Williams, from Brent Council, made it clear that there would be no daytime space for the WHEEC in the new SEND 16-25 building saying that it would be 'fully utilised' during curriculum time by the 16-19s and available for education groups only at other times.

This would be of no use to the primary schools that have been using the centre for morning and afternoon sessions for decades. Initial discussions envisaged shared use of the new building with the WHEEC and I understand that current plans include provision for 60 local school children to visit each day during term time. Thames21 withdrawal from running it seems to have led to the dropping of the idea. 

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet lead on the Environment, made it clear that the Council would provide no money to keep the WHEEC going but campaigners. who are getting together now (despite it being the holiday season), will be urging the Council to  shake off its lethargy and start searching for solutions.

 Thames 21 who usually attend the Committee were not present last night.