London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust said it was ‘focusing all resources on providing care to acutely unwell patients and not the funding of community services'.

A trust spokesperson said: ‘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.  

‘If we were to continue providing this community service (which operates at a financial loss to the trust) it would reduce the number of appointments we can provide for our acutely unwell patients, resulting in longer waits for essential care.'

The trust said the pool was used by a relatively small number of patients, most of who are fee payers.

Service users are being directed to alternative local providers of hydrotherapy, including the nearby Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, which has a much larger facility with accessible steps and a hoist.

The spokesperson added: ‘We are actively engaging with service users, patient and carer groups, and local MPs about the closure and will take into consideration any concerns that are raised with us. While this will not impact upon the decision, it may affect the way in which we manage or communicate the change.'