DDRC Healthcare is commissioned by the NHS to provide emergency hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with decompression illness (DCI) and arterial gas embolism (AGE).
As a registered charity, DDRC Healthcare also supports selected patients with a range of other conditions for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial. These treatments are provided in accordance with the evidence-based recommendations of the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM) and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), and are subject to clinical assessment, suitability, and funding availability.
Not all conditions recognised by ECHM or UHMS are routinely treated at DDRC Healthcare. Decisions regarding treatment are made on an individual basis by the clinical team, taking into account the available evidence, patient factors, operational considerations and charitable resources.
Which Organisations Oversee Hyperbaric Medicine?
Two major bodies in the northern hemisphere review the evidence and make recommendations regarding appropriate medical conditions for which hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) may be used. These bodies are the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM) and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)
At DDRC Healthcare we are guided by the evidence and recommendations of these governing bodies regarding which conditions we can treat.
Patients are referred by their consultant/specialist and assessed for suitability of treatment. Everything is explained in detail so that patients are reassured and know they are going to be well cared for. The decision regarding whether or not we will treat a patient lies with our Clinical Team and Clinical Director.
A list of approved conditions that we frequently treat with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO), as well as 'Other Indications' that are less commonly treated, can be found below: