Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine (Statewide)

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Assessment and management of people requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been used for many years to treat decompression illness or the bends in divers. This is not its only medical application. The hyperbaric unit in Hobart treats patients with the many acute and chronic disorders – see conditions

Outreach Assessment Clinic held northern region quarterly.

Emergency conditions

These patient require referral same day and are likely to be time critical

Divers – call Triple Zero (000) and state that it is a "diving emergency". The diver emergency protocol - will be implemented

Non divers – call RHH Switchboard (03) 6166 8308 and ask to speak to the Hyperbaric Specialist on call. Non-diver emergencies may be directed to the nearest Emergency Department for initial stabilisation and workup, prior to transfer to the Hyperbaric facility.

Referral process

eReferral is now the preferred method of referral for this service and is available in all THS regions. Please refer via HealthLink SmartForm eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see Quick Guide: Creating an eReferral. We will contact the patient directly and arrange a time for assessment. Alternatively you may like to phone us to discuss a referral with the specialist on duty (03) 6166 8193.

Clinic Appointments - Appointments are based on clinical priority:

Emergency

These patients require referral same day and are likely to be time critical

Divers – call Triple Zero (000) and state that it is a "diving emergency". The diver emergency protocol - will be implemented

Non divers – call RHH Switchboard (03) 6166 8308 and ask to speak to the Hyperbaric Specialist on call. Non-diver emergencies may be directed to the nearest Emergency Department for initial stabilisation and workup, prior to transfer to the Hyperbaric facility.

Urgent / category 1

We will endeavour to see these patients within one week. Fax referral to (03) 6173 0410, and call (03) 6166 8193 between 8.00 am and 4.00 pm to discuss the patient with the Hyperbaric Specialist so that an urgent appointment for assessment can be made.

Semi-urgent / category 2

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks

Routine / category 3

Next available appointment

Referral template

For use by health professionals only