Following its first year of operations, the Hyperbaric Unit within the Gozo General Hospital opened its doors to all diving schools in Gozo.

The considerable number of instructors and divers who visited this unit on this day had the opportunity to see for themselves the facilities that are available at this unit. They were also given information about the benefits of the treatments that can be administered. Dr Joseph Galea, who is the doctor in charge of the unit, explained how the equipment is used to treat divers who encounter difficulties as well as those experiencing symptoms of illness related to diving.

Mr Noel Attard, the nursing officer in charge explained how this unit operates and gave the audience information about the procedures followed, so that divers who encounter difficulties may be transferred to the Gozo General Hospital at the earliest possible moment.

During this visit, the divers and instructors who were present also had the opportunity to go into the recompression chamber in order for them to experience functions.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, was also present and spoke with the divers about several aspects concerning this industry.

The Hyperbaric Unit was set up and furnished by EU funds through the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004 – 2006 as a part of the Niche Tourism project for the island of Gozo, to promote the diving industry in Gozo. The entire project was completed with an investment of €1.2 million and included the purchasing and cleaning of two vessels which were scuttled at ix-Xatt l-Ahmar in order to create artificial dive sites that serve as an attraction to divers, a marketing campaign in specialised media, the training for doctors, nurses and technicians to treat divers who encounter difficulties as well as the construction and setting up of the Hyperbaric Unit.

The need of a hyperbaric unit in Gozo had been long felt, as in emergency cases the divers used to be sent for treatment in Malta, with delays resulting in more risks for patients. At the same time, the presence of such facilities on the island, serve as positive publicity for Gozo amongst divers.

During this year, the recompression chamber was also used on a regular basis to give hyperbaric oxygen treatment to patients at the Gozo General Hospital. In fact, patients with severe complications experienced positive results after the treatment they received at this unit. So far this unit has been used three times for emergency cases related to diving.

Photograph taken by George Scerri.

Permalink: Open day at Gozo General Hospital Hyperbaric Unit