Boost for home oxygen therapy

Many rely on home oxygen supplies

Plans to improve services for patients with breathing difficulties who need oxygen therapy at home have been unveiled by the government.

Around 60,000 people with long-term respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and emphysema require specialised oxygen equipment at home.

Without it they would effectively be forced to live in hospital.

Four companies have been awarded contracts to modernise services across England by the end of 2005.

The most exciting development in the management of patients with chronic respiratory disability and respiratory failure for the past 20 years Professor Wisia Wedzicha

It is estimated that people with severe breathing difficulties, caused by a range of conditions known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, make up 10% of acute admissions to hospital - a total of 300,000 every year.

Home oxygen therapy is also used to enable premature babies to be discharged from hospital so they can be at home with their parents as quickly as possible.

But at present services are fragmented.

Portable equipment

The aim is to ensure that patients will have round-the-clock access to expert advice and support in making the best use of the latest equipment.

They will be provided with lighter weight cylinders, smaller, more efficient concentrators, liquid oxygen and, for the first time, portable systems that allow greater mobility and independence.

For the first time both GPs and hospital doctors will be able to order services for their patients - which must be delivered within specific response times.

Health Minister Jane Kennedy said: "The new services will ensure that patients have access to the latest equipment that meets their individual needs and helps to improve their quality of life.

"Patients want to be at home and we want them to have the confidence and support to manage their symptoms at home."

Professor Wisia Wedzicha, of the British Thoracic Society, said: "The introduction of the new home oxygen service is the most exciting development in the management of patients with chronic respiratory disability and respiratory failure for the past 20 years."

Dame Helena Shovelton of the British Lung Foundation agreed that the new service should benefit patients.

She said: "The British Lung Foundation is delighted that people who need long term oxygen therapy will have access to lightweight equipment that will enable them to go out more easily and so lead as full a life as possible."

The four companies awarded contracts after a competitive tendering process are: Air Products, Allied Oxycare/Medigas, BOC and Linde.