Save Our Chambers – A Call to Action

Save Our Chambers – A Call to Action

The UK diving community is facing a critical threat – and it’s time to act.

NHS England has announced plans to **reduce the number of commissioned hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) centres from eight to just three**, effective from October 2025. These chambers provide emergency treatment for **decompression illness (DCI)** and **arterial gas embolism (AGE)** – conditions that, while rare, can be life-threatening and require **urgent specialist care**.

The news has sparked national concern across the diving world, and the team at **Staffordshire Divers** are urging everyone – divers, instructors, clubs, and supporters – to take immediate action.

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### **Why This Matters**

Diving is a safe sport when practised responsibly, but it’s not without risks. Should something go wrong, **hyperbaric treatment needs to happen quickly** to avoid permanent injury or death. With just three centres spread across the country, huge areas of England – including the Midlands and North West – would no longer have **realistic emergency access** to these lifesaving facilities.

And it’s not just divers who are at risk. HBOT is also used for:

* Carbon monoxide poisoning

* Diabetic ulcers

* Chronic infections

* Radiation tissue damage

This is a public health issue, not just a diver safety issue.

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### **Staffordshire Divers Take a Stand**

In response, Staffordshire Divers have written an **open letter to their MP, Leigh Ingham**, demanding the issue be raised in Parliament and calling for the **reinstatement of a national network of commissioned chambers**.

> “Without access to a local chamber, lives will be put at unnecessary risk. The decision leaves a huge gap in national coverage and fails to reflect regional need.”

> – Staffordshire Divers Open Letter, 23 May 2025

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### **We’re Calling on Everyone to Act**

Whether you’re a diver or not, this affects you. We are **calling on everyone** – clubs, individuals, friends, family – to **write to your MP** and urge them to stand up for hyperbaric access and diver safety.

It takes just a few minutes, but it could help save lives.

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### **How You Can Help**

1. **Visit BSAC’s campaign page:**

[Proposed Chamber Closures – Action for BSAC Members](https://www.bsac.com/news-and-blog/proposed-chamber-closures-action-for-bsac-members/)

2. **Download the template letter.**

3. **Edit it, personalise it, and send it to your local MP.**

4. **Share the message on social media.** Use hashtags:

`#SaveOurChambers #BSACDivers #NorthWestDiveFest #StaffordshireDivers`

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This issue affects us all. Let’s make sure the voice of the diving community is heard – loud and clear.

**Staffordshire Divers**

[www.staffordshiredivers.co.uk](http://www.staffordshiredivers.co.uk)