Information For Doctors

Process for referrals

Patients can be referred for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) by a Consultant who should write to the medical team at DDRC.
The Medical team will review the case and assess the appropriateness of offering HBO therapy. If the decision is made to proceed an outline treatment plan is put together and a reply to the Consultant sent.
Depending on the funding system in the referring Consultant's trust, either they or DDRC will directly apply for funding.
Once this has been granted, DDRC will communicate with the referred patient and discuss the issues regarding treatment, accommodation and travel. The patient's views will be sought on all the issues relating to the proposed HBO therapy and their questions answered. The aim is to ensure that the patient is well briefed prior to attending for treatment to reduce their anxieties. Information about the unit is sent to the patient.

On the first visit to the Hyperbaric Unit the patient will be seen by members of the nursing team who will show the patient the unit and discuss the treatment with them. A member of the medical team will then examine the patient and ensure that they are fit for HBO therapy.
The referring Consultant is kept informed of the patient's progress throughout their therapy.