Cedar Rapids therapy pool to close March 1

CEDAR RAPIDS – Mercy Medical Center will close the only therapy pool in Cedar Rapids, effective March 1.

According to the hospital, operation costs and low participation led to the decision to close Mercy Aquatics Center, in the Physicians' Clinic of Iowa building, 600 Seventh St. SE.

Hospital officials called the decision difficult, but necessary.

Spokeswoman Karen Vander Sanden said the PCI building is switching from a steam line to a self-contained natural gas system on March 1.

Pool heating costs before the 2008 flood were about $2,000 monthly. Estimated costs after the switch to natural gas would be $5,100 per month.

The facility has two heated pools and offers water-based physical therapy services, group fitness classes and children's swimming classes for 121 members. Many of the members have arthritis, fibromyalgia or other conditions causing chronic pain.

Mercy took over operation of the pool after it closed in December 2007. Physiotherapy Associates had subleased the pool from PCI, but was not given an option to renew the lease.

“The decision to close the Aquatics Center came after an extensive program review, known as Mission Discernment, which involves analysis of Mercy programs based on quality improvement, operational efficiencies, strategic direction, patron satisfaction, financial performance and fulfillment of the hospital's mission,” an e-mail from Mercy's marketing and communications office noted.

“Mercy leadership said the decision was a difficult one to make but is in keeping with the hospital's strong stewardship and program review process. They say the uncertainties surrounding health care reform and potential changes in medical reimbursements require them to make thoughtful and prudent decisions.”

Pool patrons with memberships will be reimbursed on a prorated basis or offered the option to transfer their membership to the Mercy Fitness Center.

The center does not have a pool, but has arthritis exercise classes and other programs.

Pool users are also receiving letters directing them to other pools in the community.

The three Mercy employees that staffed the pool have been offered other positions at Mercy.