Support withdrawn from chamber used to treat divers

The chamber is used to treat people suffering from decompression sickness

Concern has been raised over the withdrawal of clinical support from an Argyll chamber used to treat sick divers.

The hyperbaric chamber near Oban is one of two such facilities in Scotland supported by NHS Grampian.

But the health board is withdrawing clinical support, leaving sick divers with a lengthy journey to Aberdeen to be treated.

NHS Grampian said the current contract is set to expire and will not be renewed.

The next nearest facilities on the west coast are in either Orkney or Liverpool

Members of the diving community have said they are fearful the change will lead to unnecessary delays in treatment.

The facility near Oban provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy to those suffering from decompression illness, commonly known as "the bends".

This is a serious illness where gases get trapped in body tissue during a diver's ascent.

Symptoms can include fatigue and pain in muscles and joints. In the more severe type, symptoms may be similar to those of stroke or can include numbness, tingling, arm or leg weakness, unsteadiness, vertigo, difficulty breathing and chest pain.

Since its inception in the 1960s, over 400 people have been treated in the chamber

Tritonia, which runs the facility, said although the number of people requiring treatment is relatively low, potential delays could have a major impact.

Tritonia managing director, Dr Martin Sayers, said the decision was taken without any consultation. He is calling for a rethink.

NHS Grampian said it is content there will be no impact on service delivery, with arrangements to transfer seriously unwell patients to the main centre in Aberdeen in place since the start of the year.