New Barochamber at the Naval Hospital
A new, state-of-the-art, multifunctional hospital barochamber has been put into operation at the Naval Hospital, which operates under the aegis of the Military Medical Academy (MMA). This was announced by the MMA press center, which emphasized the importance of the acquisition for strengthening the capacity of the health facility. The new equipment replaces an old one that had been in continuous operation for more than three decades—since 1992, the year the Department of Hyperbaric and Marine Medicine was established.
The addition of the modern facility is part of the MMA's long-term strategy to renew resources and increase the operational readiness of all healthcare facilities within its system. The modernization is aimed at building a sustainable, high-tech, and efficient healthcare infrastructure that can meet the specific needs of the army as well as the needs of the civilian population.
Dr. Milena Yaneva, head of the Department of Hyperbaric and Marine Medicine, emphasized the hospital's leading role in the field of hyperbaric medicine. "We are a leading center for hyperbaric medicine. Our work involves conducting training (simulated diving descents) with navy divers; treating injured divers; expert activities and treating patients with hyperbaric oxygenation," she explains, as quoted in the official press release.
One of the most significant advantages of the new barochamber is its expanded capacity, which allows for the simultaneous treatment of a larger number of patients. Dr. Yaneva noted that while the previous barochamber had two oxygen masks in each compartment, the new one is a multi-place model with two separate compartments. Each of them is equipped with six oxygen masks, which significantly increases the efficiency of the treatment process.
In addition to the functional improvements, the new facility also offers significantly greater comfort for patients. The MMA highlights the spacious interior, illuminated by large portholes, which create a feeling of more space. Each compartment is equipped with one couch for bedridden patients and four folding chairs, which facilitates the accommodation of different types of patients. To improve the stay during procedures, the barochamber has a smart television and an audio system with speakers, which allows for watching TV or listening to music. Additionally, a high-quality intercom has been installed, providing two-way audio communication between patients and medical staff.
The technological advantages of the new barochamber include the presence of a gas analyzer, which provides precise control of the environment, as well as an air conditioning system that maintains an optimal temperature. Video surveillance and monitoring systems for all key indicators of the barochamber during operation guarantee the safety of patients.
The equipment update at the Naval Hospital is the latest step in the large-scale investments aimed at modernizing the MMA's infrastructure. In early August, the academy's press center announced that the hospital in Varna now also has seven completely renovated operating rooms. They are designed according to the most modern requirements for safety, efficiency, and precision, following the model of over 30 similar rooms that are already operational in the MMA's central hospital in Sofia.