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Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Outpatients
Information about outpatient clinics for the assessment and management of people requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
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 West
Unavailable.
South
Royal Hobart Hospital (Level 3, K Block - East)
Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Phone: 03 6166 8193 or 03 6166 7099
Fax: 03 6173 0410
Emergency conditions
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 Royal Hobart Hospital 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.
Emergency care
If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.
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.
Outreach Assessment Clinic held northern region quarterly.
Referral process
eReferral is now the preferred method of referral for this service and is available in all regions. Please refer via HealthLink SmartForm eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see the creating an eReferral quick guide. 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.
Appointments are based on clinical priority.
Where available, eReferral via HealthLink smart forms is now the preferred and only secure method of referral to the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Clinic appointments
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.
