HCMC Secures $300K for New Medical Equipment

Rep. Keith Ellison secured $300,000 in funds for life saving medical equipment for the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

The funds will provide for a new state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen chamber, according to the Democratic Congressman.

The chamber is used to treat critical care patients with life-threatening infections and special medical needs like carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness.  Hyperbaric therapy patients breathe 100 percent oxygen through a mask while inside a pressurized air chamber.

"I am extremely grateful to Representative Ellison for obtaining these funds to replace HCMC’s 45-year-old chamber," said Medical Director of HCMC Dr. Belzer.

The funds were part of the 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill that is expected to be on the floor for consideration on Friday.