Spectrum Health Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine expanding with new multiplace hyperbaric chamber

The chamber will more than double patient access to hyperbaric treatments

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 6, 2022 – Spectrum Health Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine is expanding with the arrival of a new multiplace hyperbaric chamber that can accommodate up to eight patients at once.

The new department and chamber will be located at 330 Barclay Avenue in Grand Rapids.

This chamber replaces the current monoplace, or single-patient, chambers and will more than double patient access to hyperbaric treatments. The multiplace component allows Spectrum Health to service a catastrophic event, as well as routine care. Spectrum Health is the only 24/7 program in the state of Michigan.

“The hyperbaric chamber increases the ability to safely treat critical patients and provides an environment for all patient needs,” said Drue Orwig, DO, medical director, Hyperbaric Medicine. “With increased space and the ability to interact hands-on with patients, the team will be able to better serve pediatric, critical, bariatric and claustrophobic patients.”

Dr. Orwig is a fellowship trained, hyperbaric physician, who brings a wealth of knowledge to expand diagnosis and treatment of patients who may benefit from the new hyperbaric chamber.

Hyperbaric Oxygen is a treatment utilized for routine and emergent situations. The treatment is often partnered with wound healing programs to provide a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes. There are fourteen recognized indications for use of hyperbaric oxygen, the most common of which are treating foot wounds for patients with diabetes and treating carbon monoxide poisoning.

The chamber will go into operation in early June.

###

About BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our long and continuing legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Our award-winning team improves health, inspires hope and saves lives across 13 counties in West Michigan. We bring together 11 hospitals—including Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, with expert care from 350+ pediatric specialists in 70+ specialties and programs—three rehabilitation and nursing centers, 120 outpatient sites and telehealth services. We are proud to work with 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, including Spectrum Health Medical Group, one of the largest and most comprehensive multispecialty physician groups in West Michigan.

Visit SpectrumHealth.org