What should I do if I think I need hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

In an emergency, phone the Duty Diving Medical Officer (07831 151523) for advice.

In general, a non-urgent patient is referred to us by their specialist. A few are referred directly by their general practitioners. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis and whether it is appropriate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we might ask you to visit us for assessment before we proceed any further.

If hyperbaric therapy is appropriate, we will apply for funding from your NHS Primary Care Trust or private health insurance. Funding is not guaranteed and will be decided on your medical circumstances and the evidence we submit in support of your application.

If the application is refused you and your specialist can ask for a review if there is any new information that may alter the original decision.

You and your specialist may appeal against a decision, in which case it will be checked by a different group of experts but they will only look at the process through which the decision was made and not necessarily at the evidence or your condition.

Once funding is approved we can then begin treating you. If you have not already attended the hyperbaric medicine unit for assessment, we will invite in for a visit and consultation to give you the opportunity to see how the treatment is given, meet the staff and ask any questions you might have. We can also ensure you are ‘fit’ to undertake the planned treatment and make plans to tailor our care to meet your individual requirements.

During your visit some non-invasive investigations may be carried out, so we request that you avoid caffeine drinks and smoking for four hours before your appointment.