The closure of the province’s only hyperbaric chamber continues to be a major issue affecting the health of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and there has been no action from government to correct this problem since it was highlighted earlier this spring, says Opposition House Leader Kelvin Parsons.

During question period in early April, the Opposition raised the issue of the province’s only hyperbaric chamber and the concerns that have been expressed regarding its inability to effectively function due to a lack of staffing. The minister of health was unaware at that time that any problems existed and vowed to look into the situation.

“We have spoken to sources with Eastern Health who have confirmed that the hyperbaric chamber is not functioning and little has been done to correct the problem over the past several months,” said Mr. Parsons. “It now appears that patients are being flown out of the province to receive this vital health care service because our government cannot attract and retain staff to operate the chamber.”

The hyperbaric chamber, also known as the decompression chamber, is used to prevent permanent injury or death for people suffering from certain conditions. Sources advised the Opposition that there have been staffing issues for the past several months and critically-ill patients requiring the service are being transferred out of province to receive treatment.

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