Welcome to our web site. My name is Kathy Dobbin and I have Bronchiectasis and for the past 8 years I have led an enjoyable life using Ambulatory Oxygen. Prior to Oxygen I travelled the world and worked in BBC News prior to becoming a teacher. I have been lucky enough to lead a fairly full and active life despite having to be in  hospital on occasions when I can't kick infections at home. I have an Oxygen Concentrator at home and have also used a Chad Therapeutics Oxylite provided by the Brompton hospital.

I have written to my MP, The Minister in charge, The Primary Care Trust and the British Lung Foundation and apart from the minister have had some positive feedback. I have also been lucky enough to get the problems aired recently on the Today program and the BBC news web site. However i realise that there are many people who do not have the strength to campaign as we all live with a delicate balance in our lives. I would like to hear more stories and information. But I would also like you to write to Andy Burnham to tell him about your experiences and problems.

September 2006 Update...

Air Products have now given me a 3 month trial of Liquid Oxygen. This does last longer but has no flexibility for short notice breaks or holidays away. I am still very worried about ordering holiday Oxygen with Air Products as I have read stories of problems with this. I will keep you informed of my experience on this. Also Andy Burnham must be busy solving our problems as he is too busy to read letters about the Service. I await as to whether Steve Pound MP can make any progress with him. With the Labour conference over and a Vote against the government on the NHS, the question for many supporters of the NHS is whether Labour will continue on the path as many people see it of NHS privatisation. As we approach October we still don't have a response. Dame Helena Shovelton of the British Lung Foundation was due to meet the Department of Health and was going to push for improvements.

November 2006 Update.

After a spell in the Brompton where I met a few people the campaign has expanded somewhat and hopefully we now have some momentum to show that there is a real problem out there. I also speak in front of 50 Consultants, Doctors and healthcare professionals about the practical problems people are suffering. Just as my own situation starts to improve (many thanks to Ealing PCT). I see others in other areas who are really suffering. At this time we start to gain more feedback and also find the Andy Burnham's department are a brick wall. So what can we do? So whilst I have not been at my best we assist BBC Watchdog in their story and plan to launch our own campaign to highlight the issues.

January 2007 Update.

We write detailed letters to coincide with the Watchdog program and receive more feedback highlighting other areas. Information comes out all the time. Please see this article from Pulse which gives us an idea that "Cost Neutral" means more money for less cylinders. This is followed up by 2 visits to Westminster and responses from quite a few people but apart from nice work no real progress.

August 2007 update.

I have been lucky enough to get away a few times over the summer and good news that you can get Liquid Oxygen on holiday!! I have another project that I am due to get involved with and so whilst we will keep an eye on the Oxygen situation and will mail out again the current picture, it would appear that given the natural level of improvement over a period either people are much better off or have given up.

Contact Information

Please let me know about problems and also any good things that are happening. Also write to your primary care trust and your local paper.

Electronic mail

Contact us at: contact@oxywalk.org
Webmaster: contact@oxywalk.org