A ’significant number’ of people have been affected by the temporary suspension of the Isle of Man Hyperbaric Chamber’s services.

The charity explained that around 40 to 45 people currently receive daily treatment from the facility, but also gave its reassurances that plans are in place for emergency procedures and treatment while key parts of the chambers are replaced.

Friends of the Hyperbaric Chamber charity secretary Debbie Barron said: ’As part of the two Hyperbaric Chambers’ daily inspection prior to use, it was identified that there was an aspect with both chambers which required immediate attention.

’Unfortunately, this has necessitated The Kevin Gray Memorial Trust to announce the immediate temporary suspension of services for patients and diving casualties until the matter has been resolved.

’We appreciate the public’s concerns over funding, however there is no discernible issue at the current time.

’Whilst some of the development funding and donations will need to be diverted to resolve the current situation, the full replacement costs of certain key components is not as yet completely known.

’As ever, we greatly appreciate any and all funding needed to run this essential service for our island community.

’We apologise to everyone for this inconvenience, however we are going to use this down time to also undertake any upgrades that may possibly have been required within the next couple of years.

’A further announcement will be made as and when information is available.’

The facility, which is run by the Kevin Gray Memorial Trust, provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy to divers and others who are suffering from injuries and chronic medical conditions.

It has been in operation since 1984.

The manager of the charity, Dean Cooke, told the Examiner on Friday: ’The issue was discovered at the start of this week.

’The parts have been sent over to the UK where replacements will be fabricated, which takes a large amount of time.

’We have a specialised engineer who is quite involved with that and experts over from the UK.’

He explained that the Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) in Plymouth will help with an emergency by assessing the casualty over the phone.

If deemed necessary the centre will arrange for the casualty to be flown to the nearest appropriate chamber. A helpline has also been circulated to the different diving teams around the island.

’We’ve been keeping our patients updated and they’ve been informed,’ he continued.

’There’s a significant number of people who have been affected.

’Currently 40 to 45 people receive daily treatment from the charity. In the past it has been higher than that, but it does go through peaks and troughs. We’ve also had meetings with the government diving teams we’re responsible for and with the Department of Health and Social Care.

’I have been going around to local diving teams to inform them of the emergency procedures.

’When the UK services have been closed for maintenance casualties have been brought to us.’

He added that while the charity receives expert help, it will be gathering information together before providing more details about the issue.

’It’s just speculative things at the moment,’ he said.