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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> UK Oxygen Supply Changes.
        
(Message started by: JoeKen on Feb 7^th, 2006, 6:02am)

Title: UK Oxygen Supply Changes.
Post by JoeKen on Feb 7^th, 2006, 6:02am

:)
Good Morning, (With apologies to our American hosts, this post is aimed at us 'Limeys').
I would be interested to hear of your experiences with the changes in the supply of oxygen under the new NHS scheme which supposedly came into effect on 1st February this year because my experience has not been encouraging. The sad details are available, if of interest to anybody, as to how I got to where I am today, but the salient point is that today I was contacted by the oxygen supplier's Engineer/Representative who did not seem aware that anyone would need a supply of cylinders - the only thing he was interested in was supplying concentrators. When I advised him that I needed a supply rate of up to 12 L/min, his response was to offer to "link up 3 concentrators"!!!
How are you other UK CH sufferers faring with the new supply regulations?
JoeKen.

Title: Re: UK Oxygen Supply Changes.
Post by Filbert on Feb 7^th, 2006, 7:22am

These might help Joe

http://www.primarycarecontracting.nhs.uk/uploads/HOS/Home%200oxygen%20Consent%SAM.pdf

http://www.psnc.org.uk

Fil

Title: Re: UK Oxygen Supply Changes.
Post by JoeKen on Feb 7^th, 2006, 9:29am

:)Thanks Fil,
I was not aware of the web links that you provided, but I was aware, in general, of the information that they provide. Whilst it appears to be a well thought out new policy in theory, the current practice, in my experience, is that it ain't working very well at the moment. To even get myself entered into the system I had to initiate discussions with my GP, then his Practice Manager, then Air Products, and in each case they all appeared to be unaware of what was needed from them. The only guy who has been up to speed and able to directly help me, (to the extent of informing me that he will continue to supply me with cylinder oxygen with or without a pre-dated prescription), is my local pharmacist. If I had been prepared to sit back and wait for the system to work as it is supposed to do I would have been denied oxygen for God knows how long. I just wondered whether my experience was being repeated elsewhere.
Thanks again for your input.
JoeKen.

Title: Re: UK Oxygen Supply Changes.
Post by Filbert on Feb 7^th, 2006, 9:50am

Hi JoeKen
I've just found out that you can still in theory source the o2 using the old method of prescription via GP and pharmacist until 31st March as the o2 suppliers have been inundated with request forms. Perhaps this could give you some breathing space [no pun intended ;)] until the new way is sorted out.

Good luck!
Fil.

Edit to add-sorry after rereading your post I see your pharmacist is up to speed. You're certainly not the only person who has had problems as some others are reporting similar things. :(