Divers' emergency unit installed at Gozo hospital

A hyperbaric unit to provide emergency treatment to divers suffering from decompression sickness was inaugurated by the Prime Minister at the Gozo General Hospital yesterday.

Divers are struck by decompression sickness when established procedures to control the varying underwater pressures are not followed. The recompression chamber, which is the central element of the Hyperbaric Unit, creates pressures similar to those found underwater and then slowly reduces this pressure to avoid serious complications.

The availability of this facility makes Gozo more attractive as a destination for divers, since this specialised emergency treatment is available in a matter of a few minutes, the government said.

The setting up and installation of a recompression chamber followed the scuttling of the MV Karwela and the MV Cominoland in August to form artificial reefs and the ongoing marketing campaign in the foreign media to strengthen Gozo's position as a quality diving destination.

Dr Gonzi said the inauguration of the hyperbaric unit was a link in a series of projects and initiatives that the government had embarked on for the continuous development of the Maltese Islands and Gozo, in particular.

Diving, he said, was a specific element of niche tourism that was suitable for Gozo and which fell squarely within the government's strategy to upgrade the tourism product.

This was also an example of how European Union funds were being invested in areas that should have a direct impact on the island's economic development.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said this project was the result of the continuous dialogue that the Ministry for Gozo has with the island's stakeholders who together identified the niche area of diving as one with potential for growth.

More tourism-oriented projects will be carried out in the coming years, especially with another 10 per cent of the EU allocation of funds for Malta for 2007-2013 being once again allocated for Gozo.

A documentary in English featuring the underwater and above-ground attractions of Gozo was also launched yesterday as part of the project's marketing campaign.

Certificates were presented to Gozo General Hospital staff who undertook training to operate the new hyperbaric unit.