Hyperbaric chamber for WA's newest hospital

The State's hyperbaric medicine service has been significantly increased by the installation of a $4.

  • $4.6m installation for Fiona Stanley public hospital

  • New chamber to offer increased capacity and improved patient access 

The State's hyperbaric medicine service has been significantly increased by the installation of a $4.6million hyperbaric chamber at Fiona Stanley public hospital.

Announcing the installation today, Health Minister Kim Hames said the 56 tonne chamber would provide an improved environment for hyperbaric medicine, with the capacity to treat up to 20 seated patients across two separate compartments.

"This new chamber is uniquely designed to both increase the capacity of the service the hospital can provide, as well as improve the access for patients and clinicians," Dr Hames said.

"With the ability to provide different treatment times for seated patients, as well as those in wheelchairs or on beds, clinicians are able to provide a complete change in the way they care for patients."

The chamber works by administering 100 per cent oxygen at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure at sea level.  It is used to treat divers suffering decompression illness (also known as 'the bends'); promote wound healing; and treat radiation tissue damage and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The new chamber is specifically designed to reflect a hospital room environment, with access to entertainment systems and music.  The size of the compartments will also enable the treatment of intensive care patients, as well as those with reduced mobility.

The Minister said the new hyperbaric chamber would be an important addition to the State's newest public tertiary hospital.  Fiona Stanley public hospital will provide innovative health care to communities in the southern metropolitan area and to people across Western Australia.

      Fact File

  • Chamber weighs 56 tonnes and is 14m long, 3m high and 4m wide

  • $2b Fiona Stanley public hospital on time and budget to take first patients in 2014

  • Hospital is centrepiece for capital works projects across WA Health

  • Includes New Children's Hospital and Midland Public Hospital in metro region, and many new hospitals and upgrades in regional WA

  • More information at: http://www.fionastanley.health.wa.gov.au 

Minister's office - 6552 5300


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