What does DDRC stand for?
DDRC stands for the Diving Diseases Research Centre. We are also known as the 'Hyperbaric Medical Centre'.
Where is it?
DDRC is located on the Tamar Science Park, Research Way, Plymouth - next to Derriford Hospital. (Further along the road from Derriford Roundabout, past the hospital). Click here for map.
Who/what does it treat?
Patients with Radiation Tissue Damage, Diabetic Ulcers, Osteomyelitis, Soft Tissue Damage.
Divers suffering from Decompression Illness (the bends).
How does it treat and in what?
At the DDRC patients breathe pure oxygen whilst under pressure inside an hyperbaric chamber.
The DDRC has a number of different chambers. In the Krug chamber up to 10 patients are treated at once whilst in the monoplace chamber only one person is treated.
How many treatments?
The number of treatments will vary depending on your illness and progress. However, you will usually have between 20 and 40
treatments.
Do & Don'ts
Patients can only enter the chamber in clean cotton clothing (which DDRC will supply).
No watches, lighters or metal framed glasses are allowed inside the chamber (DDRC can supply plastic frame glasses).
Medical Care
DDRC has its own doctors and nurses.
Transport & Accommodation
Can be arranged by DDRC once you are discharged from hospital.
What can be done for claustrophobia and/or fear of the process?
One of the DDRC nurses can attend until you are comfortable with the procedure.
Experienced patients will also be there to help.
What did it feel like as a patient for the first time.
Apprehension of the unknown procedure is normal, but generally you will be with other patients and you will have had everything explained to you by the DDRC staff before your first “dive”.
Will I get wet?
No, water is not involved in the treatment.
Does the chamber move?
No.
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