Photo credit: Phil Sayers/LHM Healthcare (Whipps Cross)
Following the closure of the Whipps Cross Hyperbaric Chamber at the end of September, LHM Healthcare has been instructed by the National Medical Director of Specialist Commissioning to re-open immediately, as Chichester Chamber has continued encountering difficulties in maintaining a consistent service.
NHS England's National Medical Director of Specialist Commissioning, has used his executive powers to immediately re-open the Whipps Cross facility at short notice, under an emergency contract, specifically to treat critically ill divers suffering from decompression illness and patients with gas embolism.
Under the terms of emergency contracts of this nature, NHSE (National Team) can only allow Whipps Cross to treat critically ill patients and the Chamber is actively seeking arrangements to allow them to provide a full service for divers. Whipps Cross re-opened on 18th December as a fully operational BHA Category 1 facility.
All divers and clubs are reminded that, in the event of an emergency, they should contact the British Hyperbaric Association (BHA) National Diving Accident Helpline for immediate advice. This service provides 24-hour emergency medical support to divers and healthcare professionals across the UK.
For incidents in Scotland, a separate emergency line is available - please request the on-call hyperbaric doctor.
The helplines have access to real-time information on chamber availability and will coordinate care as required.
Emergency contact numbers
- National (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): 07831 151 523
- Scotland: 0345 408 6008
For further contact details see bsac.com/dci
