Hyperbaric chamber temporarily out of action

Sunday 11 December 2022

The diving chamber used for treating decompression illness at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital will be closed until December 17 for Guernsey and Jersey patients.

The chamber is available to all divers intending to dive within Guernsey’s 12-mile limit and is administered and support by Emergency Department staff at the hospital.

Commercial and leisure divers are asked to be extremely careful during the time the chamber is closed and only dive if it is absolutely necessary. 

The closure is due to the Dive Medical Officer taking leave during this time. 

All dive clubs have been advised of this closure along with Guernsey and Jersey Ports, Alderney harbour and the States of Jersey Emergency Department. 

Any diver suspected of suffering from decompression illness in this period requiring treatment will be initially treated within the Emergency Departments in either Guernsey or Jersey as appropriate. 

Patients who then require the services of a hyperbaric chamber will be transported to a suitable treatment centre available at the time. 

Normal service will resume on  December 18. For any queries regarding this, contact the Emergency Department in Guernsey on 01481 220000.