SCUBAHUB
Campaign to reopen Oban ’ s chamber
BSAC DIVERS ARE BEING URGED TO SIGN a petition calling for the reversal of a decision to close the Oban Hyperbaric Chamber .
The chamber , operated by Tritonia , has been closed following the withdrawal of NHS funding from 1 April this year . The ‘ suspension ’ of the Oban chamber ’ s services means that there is currently no NHS-registered treatment facility capable of treating decompression illness on the whole of the west coast of Scotland . Divers requiring treatment will now be transferred to Aberdeen .
BSAC is now supporting the petition to overturn the decision to close the chamber . BSAC CEO Mary Tetley said the Oban chamber was a vital resource for divers .
“ As the National Governing Body , BSAC is very concerned about the loss of any infrastructure that safeguards the wellbeing of the UK diving community and deplores the loss of this important facility in western Scotland .”
Since 1972 , the recompression chamber at Dunstaffnage , near Oban , has treated over
400 divers for decompression illness . With no NHS support now existing for diving-related emergencies on the west coast , advice and guidance can now only be obtained by contacting the Coastguard ( 999 , channel 16 ) or the Scottish National Helpline number 0345 408 6008 .
Tritonia Managing Director Martin Sayer said he was deeply concerned about the impact of the funding decision .
“ This change in how the service is being delivered will cause unnecessary delays to treatment , especially when there is still a perfectly adequate facility in Oban .
“ As well as the recompression facility , the Oban chamber also supports an experienced
team of five doctors qualified in diving and hyperbaric medicine . Members of that team were on call for Oban Accident and Emergency around the clock to examine divers and coordinate their treatment . That resource will also be lost with this funding decision .”
Tritionia is now appealing against the decision by NHS Grampian to withdraw funding .
“ BSAC will continue to work with Tritonia regarding the appeal process and advise our members how best to support them going forward ,” Mary added .
BSAC members can sign the petition to reverse the decision to close Oban Chamber at https :// chng . it / JKLQmJxNRf
Paul Crinnion steps in as NE Regional Coach
CLEVELAND-BASED PAUL CRINNION HAS been welcomed as the new Regional Coach for the North East . He replaces outgoing NE coach , Dave Woodward , who is vacating the position after four years in the role .
A member of Stockton Divers , Paul learned to dive back in 1982 . He has since gone on to dive all over the world , training with both BSAC and other agencies .
Since those very first dives , Paul has appreciated and benefitted from the support and encouragement of some great instructors and buddies , both in the UK and abroad . This support , he says , inspired him to become an instructor and help other divers to develop .
“ There is nothing quite as gratifying for me as seeing the excitement of a new diver starting their journey and enjoy new experiences ,” Paul explained .
“ As the new Regional Coach for the North East I ’ m here to offer help and enable diving across the region , developing divers and instructors to help make all our clubs and dive centres successful . Any club or diver that needs help , support , training or to develop their instructor skills , please reach out .”
Announcing the new appointment , BSAC Diving and Training Advisor Julia Branagan welcomed Paul to the North East Regional Team .
“ Paul will be supporting some very active members who have extensive knowledge and experience of local dive sites , in clubs that are actively recruiting and training new divers . We wish Paul every success in the role .”
Paul is featured in this issue ’ s new column , Volunteer Life . Turn to page 46 to read more .
For more information on the Regional Coaching Scheme in your area or to contact your Regional Coach , go to bsac . com / coaching