Photo credit: Phil Sayers/LHM Healthcare (Whipps Cross)
BSAC is urging all members to take immediate action in response to NHS England’s recent decision to commission only three hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) centres – down from the eight centres operating in 2024.
Although the chambers are open and operating as normal for now, from the beginning of October 2025 this decision will leave huge swathes of the country, including the North East, North West, Midlands, and Central London, without adequate emergency cover for decompression illness (DCI) and arterial gas embolism (AGE).
This reduction affects four respected facilities:
- LHM Healthcare (Whipps Cross - already slated for closure in a previous consultation)
- Midlands Diving Chamber (Rugby)
- North England Medical Hyperbaric (Hull)
- Hyperbaric Treatment and Training Services (Wirral)
Without HBOT provision in these regions, divers face delayed treatment, potentially life-threatening consequences, and increased pressure on ambulance services.
Hull - a complex arterial gas embolism needs rapid comprehensive critical care
Why this matters to every UK diver
The loss of these chambers threatens the safety net that UK diving has relied upon for decades. Every year, around 200-250 cases of DCI are reported. If even half require transport across vast new distances – potentially over 300 miles – it puts both lives and emergency services under serious strain.
Wirral - Dave Allcock, Manager at Wirral Hyperbaric Treatment Emergency Services Training Centre with Sophie Heptonstall and Sam Clarke of BSAC
Further, the decision was made without consultation with key stakeholders including BSAC, Coastguard, and regional ambulance services, nor does it appear to allow for appeals or clarification in the tendering process.
Hull - (clockwise from top left): the chamber; local signage; hosting the BHA Conference 2024 to share hyperbaric knowledge and education
Your voice can make a difference
We believe constituent action can help reverse this decision. BSAC has prepared a letter template you can personalise and send to your local MP, urging them to raise this issue in Parliament.
Download the MP letter template
Please:
- Personalise the letter with your name, MP’s details, and your own concerns.
- Email or post it to your MP as soon as possible - find your MP details here.
- Encourage fellow divers and clubs to do the same.
- A petition is being set up - we will alert our members when it is live
Let’s keep UK diving safe
This is not just about sport – it’s about safety, public health, and ensuring a fair and responsive emergency care system for all. We need to act together to make our voices heard and protect the critical infrastructure that supports safe diving in the UK.
Thank you for standing with us.
Rugby - the Midlands Diving Chamber
