DHSC 'considering policy options' as Hyperbaric Chamber calls for more funding

Charity also on the lookout for more volunteers

The Department of Health and Social Care has met with the Isle of Man Hyperbaric Chamber amid calls from the charity for government support.

The chamber has recently undergone a £1.5 million renewal project, thanks to fundraisers and benefactors, and it's hoping to reopen later this year.

Ken Kinrade, the charity's Vice-Chairman, says the type of service they offer depends on what funding they receive:

The DHSC told Manx Radio the meeting with the charity was to 'better understand the services provided and the extent of the financial support that may be required to sustain them'.

It says: "Prior to the decommissioning of the former Hyperbaric Chamber service in 2017, the Department provided funding in support of the treatment of decompression illness. At that time, the annual contribution was approximately £90,000.

"As with any request for public funding, the Department must undertake a thorough assessment of the clinical evidence, patient benefit, and cost-effectiveness of any service it may seek to commission through the Manx Care Mandate. 

"This is to ensure that any expenditure is based on an assessment of the clinical evidence, demand for services locally and represents the best possible value for the public purse. This involves working with key stakeholders such as Manx Care and Public Health.

"The Department is currently considering the policy options associated with the commissioning and funding of a local hyperbaric service. This work is ongoing, and the Department will continue to engage constructively with colleagues from the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber as that assessment is completed."

Meanwhile, HBOTIOM is on the lookout for more volunteers to support the charity.

Mr Kinrade says: "We need people from all walks of life.

"We have vacancies for chamber operators, diabetic technicians, or just people who want to come and help us with a bit of administration or even cleaning.

"If we've got anybody out there, a doctor, a nurse who's got the, or paramedics, anybody with sort of life-saving skills, then we'd like to hear from them."

Manx Radio has been speaking to the Hyperbaric Chamber as part of its 'Charity of the Week' spotlight. 

You can listen to the full interview with Ken Kinrade HERE.