Non-Diving

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.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Pre-referral work-up

History

Conditions treated include:

  • Diabetic problem wounds and gangrene
  • Osteoradionecrosis treatment and prevention when surgical procedures occur in a radiation injured site
  • Soft tissue radiation injury – for example radiation cystitis, proctitis and skin ulceration
  • Refractory non diabetic hypoxic wounds (present >8 weeks)
  • Refractory osteomyelitis (as part of a multidisciplinary team)
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning acute or with suspected delayed sequelae
  • Gas gangrene and other anaerobic infections
  • Necrotizing fasciitis and Fournier's gangrene
  • Central retinal artery occlusion
  • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

All referrals should comply to referral standards and include in particular:

  • Details of condition including past treatments

Tests

Investigations are determined by the condition requiring treatment.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Emergency conditions should be discussed with Hyperbaric Specialist by ringing RHH Switchboard on 6166 8308 and may be referred to Emergency Department for initial assessment and stabilisation.

GP information explains the service more fully. (coming soon)

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Emergency

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Gas gangrene and other anaerobic infections

Necrotizing fasciitis and Fournier's gangrene

Retinal artery occlusion

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Semi-urgent / category 2

Diabetic ulcers

Refractory non diabetic hypoxic wounds (present > 8 weeks)

Osteoradionecrosis treatment and prevention

Osteomyelitis

Carbon monoxide poisoning with suspected delayed sequelae

Routine / category 3

Soft tissue radiation therapy

Radiation proctitis/cystitis

Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

More information about Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine can be found at the State Referral Centre: Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine

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:

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:

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks

Routine:

Next available appointment