Highest European Standards

DDRC Healthcare, the not-for-profit organisation which runs the Hyperbaric Medical Centre in Plymouth, is a world renowned centre of excellence for diving and hyperbaric medicine. Key to this is our recognition of the value of highly trained staff. Wherever possible hyperbaric nursing and chamber staff are encouraged to undertake independently accredited certification, thus achieving ‘best practice’ recognition for their role.

Included in this is the European Baromedical Association (EBAss) and European College of Baromedicine (ECB) qualifications which encompass both practical and theoretical training. This enables our hyperbaric technicians and nurses to obtain internationally recognised qualification of European Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (ECHRN) or European Certified and Hyperbaric Chamber Operator (ECHCO). We work to ensure our staff achieve this within two years of starting work with us.

The EBAss scheme of independently accredited examinations aims for technicians and nurses, throughout Europe, to be examined on their abilities by an independent body.

DDRC Healthcare is the only hyperbaric chamber in the UK to have staff qualified to EBAss standards and we are delighted that three of our nursing team have recently passed their examinations.

Peter Atkey, DDRC Healthcare’s Operations Director explains:

“In 2010 EBAss launched a pan-European examination system for personnel working in the field of medical hyperbaric facilities. All our staff serving more than two years are currently either qualified or are working towards EBAss accreditation, which reflects the high standards we work to. European standards of training are of paramount importance in building confidence in hyperbaric chamber facilities. Ensuring all hyperbaric chamber personnel achieve this level of training and certification will mean that doctors, health professionals and of course patients, can be confident in the skills and knowledge of our chamber personnel.”