Hyperbaric chamber opens today

Friday 26 July 2019

The long awaited hyperbaric chamber for treating patients with the bends is being installed first thing this morning.

For the installation, the entrance to the Emergency Department will be closed as two mobile cranes are needed to move the piece of equipment.

Patients are asked to get the ED through the Vauqueidor entrance of the hospital. 

A hyperbaric chamber is the only piece of equipment which can save the life of a person affected by the condition experienced by divers whereby nitrogen enters the blood stream.

The chamber works by creating a pressurised atmosphere from within which the patient breathes in oxygen. The pre-existing chamber was rented, which meant costs of around £30k per use passed on down the patients in the event of an emergency. 

It's the first time in four years Guernsey has had its own device on island, Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health and Social Care, was jubilant at its shipping earlier this week. 

Guess what’s coming to Guernsey? The hyperbaric chamber!!!! At long last. There’s been much blood sweat and tears but it’s on its way. pic.twitter.com/GUFlYEjBMS

— Heidi Soulsby (@HeidiSoulsby) July 19, 2019

Health and Social Care were given funds to buy the £340,000 piece of kit last year originally saying it would be up and running by the end of 2018. Two mobile cranes will lift the chamber into place at 06:00 this morning, vehicle access will be restricted from 05:00.