Walking with Oxygen Campaign - Living life with Oxygen

Having been on Oxygen for many years I was lucky in one way in that I had my supply when the chaos started however it did not stop me from worrying about the future. Apparently visitors to Air Products HQ are shown badly filled in HOOF Forms. I myself filled in mine and took it along to my GP in order to ensure that things were right. That was back in January 2006. But still I had problems. I learned that the original form was redesigned by the Government Forms experts and in reality can you expect your GP to deal with yet another form?

The main Department of Health site dealing with Oxygen is the Homeoxygen.nhs.uk site. On it you will also see within the Healthcare professionals page for key documents a link to the hoof form. When you look at this form you can get an idea of what the Healthcare professional has to send off. Maintaining your Health has always in a sense been a partnership between the Patient and Professional and so it is best to help ensure that your Consultant or Doctor can provide you with the best service.

So some key points to remember are

• Under 7 (Long Term Oxygen Therapy). There is a choice of Nasal Cannulae or mask and also whether Humidification is required. Ask your Professional about these.
• For 8 (Ambulatory). Always tick the Light Weight option if in any doubt. With a limited capacity even the lightest cylinders can be a struggle to carry. For the number of hours of supply you need not only what you would like to use to get out but also you will need spare supply for various Hospital and other appointments. If you get started on a supply that is too small it can takes ages for improvements to occur.
• For 13 (Additional information) This can be used when ordering Holiday Oxygen but it may be worth adding information such as whether you work, etc.

Once the service is underway then if you have any problems first contact your Oxygen company and then the Chief Pharmacist at your local Primary Care Trust. However what several correspondents' have found is that dealing with a Company Call Centre and being short of breath is very tiresome and so rather than keeping on or giving up then use the PCT contact on your behalf. They are paying the companies through our Taxes and so should be demanding the best service for Patients.

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Last modified: 08/30/07