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Written question asked by Luke Evans (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 June 2025. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Oxygen: Medical Treatments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reducing the number of hyperbaric chambers on accessibility for patients.

Answer

NHS England is committed to ensuring equitably accessible, high-quality services, for anyone who requires hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We will meet our obligations to do so through implementing plans to deliver the commissioning intentions set out during the public consultation which took place last year. Further information on the public consultation is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/reviewing-hyperbaric-oxygen-services-consultation-guide/#:~:text=Background-,Background,Manual%20of%20Prescribed%20Specialised%20Services

It is proposed that the number of commissioned HBOT centres in England is reduced from eight centres to six centres. The geographical scope of these services will ensure that there is no more than four hours travelling time, by road, from coastal locations, the furthest borders, or between neighbouring commissioned HBOT centres, which is in line with good practice guidelines.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
59101
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Medical treatments Oxygen
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk