THE hydrotherapy pool at Medway Maritime Hospital has shut down yet again and could be out of use until Christmas.

Repair work has just began ro reseal the pool and prevent further damage after water was found seeping from it. A structural examination revealed work was essential if the facility was to continue to operate.

The pool has been dogged with problems since it first opened four years ago and has had to close for months at a time.

Health bosses insisted the latest work was to the pool itself and not related to previous problems with the floor in the entrance and changing areas.

Cllr Richard Wozencroft, deputy chairman of Medway’s health overview and scrutiny committee, said: “It’s unsatisfactory that work has to be done, but at the same time it is work that needs to be done.

“The pool would be out of commission for a lot longer if the work were not carried out now. Arrangements for doing the work is a matter for Medway NHS Trust and we would just seek to ensure there are no undue delays.”