A Guide to The Home Oxygen Service For Adult Oxygen Users

A Guide to The Home Oxygen ServiceFor Adult Oxygen Users and Their Carers

Healthcare Helpline: 0800 373580 I 8.00am-6.30pm every day2

About Your Equipment

Please refer to these pages when reordering accessories or speaking to our Healthcare Helpline.

You should take this booklet with you to any reviews with your Healthcare Professional (HCP).

Date of installation:

Technician’s name:

Flow rate:

Patient number:

NHS number:

HCP name:

HCP phone number:

Equipment

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

(open 24 hours, 7 days a week for urgent calls) 3

Cylinders

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

¡ Type: ......................... Flow: ...........

Accessories

¡ Ventimask: ......................................%

¡ Medium concentration mask

¡ Non-rebreather mask

¡ High concentration mask

¡ Tracheotomy mask: .....................%

¡ Cannula: ................................... code

¡ Conserver: ............................ model

¡ Coiled tube, clamp & connector

¡ Ambulatory cylinder bag

¡ Micro flowmeter

¡ Low flowmeter

¡ Trolley


WelcomeThe Home Oxygen Service (HOS) has been designed to provide you with all your oxygen therapy needs at home. Your Healthcare Professional will have chosen the most appropriate oxygen equipment for your condition. This guide explains how to use, clean and maintain this oxygen equipment.

The Home Oxygen Service also provides a free holiday service if you visit anywhere in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

If you have any questions about the oxygen equipment, safety or the service, please call our Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373580 between 8.00am-5.00pm (Monday to Friday). The service is available 24 hours a day for urgent calls, but remember if you feel unwell you should contact a GP or in an emergency, phone for an ambulance.

The information provided in this booklet was believed to be correct at the time of going to print.

All images are for illustration purposes.


ContentsGeneral Safety 6

Masks, Cannulae and Tubing 11

Travelling and Holidays 15

Your Rights 21

Baywater Healthcare Patient Experience 23

Glossary of Terms 24

Useful Contacts 25


General SafetyWhen used correctly oxygen is safe

We complete thorough risk assessments and health & safety checks before any oxygen equipment is installed in your home. You also need to follow these guidelines:

Do not smoke!Do not let anyone smoke near you!Smoking will aggravate your condition and is dangerous when oxygen is being used.

E-CigarettesYou must not allow anyone using e-cigarettes near to someone using oxygen.

Keep oxygen away from naked flames!All oxygen equipment should be kept well away from candles (including scented candles), barbecues and naked flames such as open fires and gas cookers.

Fire extinguisher and smoke detectorsKeep an all-purpose fire extinguisher at home and install a smoke detector. Regularly check your smoke detector to ensure it is working and its batteries do not need replacing. We inform the Fire & Rescue Service that you have oxygen in your home, who will contact you to complete a fire safety check, if we haven’t completed one for you. You should also tell them what equipment you have and where you store it.

Our Healthcare Technician will check your smoke alarms are in working order when oxygen is installed. Should you not have any working smoke alarms, we will inform the Fire & Rescue Service.


Keep away from heat!Oxygen is not explosive but it will help fires to burn more fiercely. Ensure that any oxygen cylinders are kept away from gas fires, cookers and heaters etc. Recommended distance for oxygen therapy equipment from: open fires 3m (10ft); closed fires 1.5m (5ft).

Be aware of your concentrator positionConcentrator machines take air from their surroundings and separate it to make oxygen. If they are used near heaters or fires, fumes in the air may not be removed. Recommended distance from: open fires 3m (10ft); closed fires 1.5m (5ft).

Turn it off!Make sure the oxygen supply is turned off when it isn’t being used. When oxygen is being used, always make sure the cannula or mask is not left on any soft material (for example, blankets, clothes, sofas or cushions) for any amount of time. Oxygen may be absorbed into the material and make it more flammable.

Remember to allow 5-10 minutes after switching a concentrator off to allow all the oxygen to leave the system.

VentilationAlways make sure that any oxygen equipment is used in a well ventilated area, and try to keep a window or door in the room ajar when the equipment is in use.

Keeping all equipment cleanOnly use a clean damp cloth and mild non-scratch cleaning materials to clean the equipment and allow it to dry properly before using.

Maintaining equipment Do not use oils or grease with oxygen equipment. Ensure that your hands are clean when handling equipment.


Avoid using anything containing oil on the skinDo not use oils or grease on any area of skin that comes into contact with the oxygen equipment. Only use water based creams. Speak to a Pharmacist for advice.

FirebreakNever remove this small white plastic piece from the tubing and make sure that the blue arrow is pointing in your direction. A firebreak will stop a fire spreading up the tubing if one end catches fire.

A firebreak is not included on the tubing for the ambulatory cylinders.

TubingMake sure tubing does not get trapped or crushed under doors/furniture as this can stop/reduce the oxygen flow.

Keep tubing away from feet when walking and take care not to slip or trip over it. Be aware of where your tubing is at any time, particularly when you stand up. This is very important if you have a long length to get to other rooms and you are near the source (wall-tap or concentrator), as the spare tubing will coil near your feet. Take particular care when on or near stairs. If you are carrying oxygen while walking you may find it easier to drape the tubing over your shoulder.

If you are taken into hospital, ensure paramedics leave your tubing in place as you will need it when you are discharged. If your tubing is taken, please call us for replacements in advance of your discharge.

Piped-inFor safety reasons, piped-in oxygen is a standard procedure as agreed with your Healthcare Professional.


The concentrator machineMake sure it is set to the correct flow rate and never change it unless specifically told to do so.

Remember:

• Keep the concentrator machine upright at all times• Plug it into the mains, do not use an extension lead• Never open or remove the concentrator cover

ServicingOur Healthcare Technician will visit and check your oxygen equipment every six months. If there is a problem with the concentrator machine use your back-up cylinder and call us on 0800 373580.

Cylinder safety and storageMake sure cylinders are firmly secured and cannot be knocked over or fall on anyone.

If an ambulatory cylinder is being carried in a wheelchair or pushchair make sure that it is safely secured and balanced. If you use the carry straps on the cylinder bag, make sure they are firmly secured.

Back-up cylindersBack-up cylinders are provided along with an oxygen concentrator in case of a power cut or machine failure and should only be used in this instance.

The back-up cylinder should be located somewhere that you can easily reach it should it be needed. Keep a torch to hand in case the cylinder is required when it is dark.


StorageAll oxygen equipment should be stored in a cool well-ventilated area away from flammable or oil based products. Cylinders can be laid flat and work equally well. They should be secured in position with the wedge provided.

Tradespeople in your homeIf you have tradespeople working in your home, make them aware of the location of oxygen equipment and any installed pipe-work along with the precautions required.

Follow the advice givenOur Healthcare Technicians have had extensive training. We ask that you follow their advice at all times, if you are unsure of anything, please call us on 0800 373580.

Your oxygen is for youOxygen is a medically prescribed

drug, and should only be used by the person it has been ordered for. Under no circumstances should you allow anyone else to use it.

(open 24 hours, 7 days a week for urgent calls only) 11

Masks, Cannulae and TubingYou must use only masks, tubing and cannulae supplied by Baywater Healthcare.

Cannulae can easily become blocked and masks can become dirty over time, it is very important to keep both clean.

Replace cannula monthly or on the advice of a Healthcare Professional. With regular cleaning, masks will last 3-6 months approx. You can request new cannulae, masks and tubing from our Healthcare Technician, or by calling us.

The tubing we supply has been specially designed to prevent crushing (which can restrict the flow of oxygen) but it is always important to check that the tubing is not kinked or trapped.

Caution Cannulae tips should be cleaned daily with a damp cloth. Never immerse cannulae in water.

Oxygen masks must be cleaned daily in hot soapy water. Rinse and thoroughly air dry before use.

Non-rebreather masks must not be immersed in water. Wipe them daily using a damp cloth.


How to fit a cannula1. Place the nasal prongs into your nostrils taking care not

to damage the soft tissue

2. Tuck the tubes extending from the nasal oxygen prongs behind your ears

3. Secure the cannula by sliding the plastic toggle underneath your chin

Cannulae are available in different shapes and sizes. Please take note of the cannula type and code your Healthcare Technician supplies you with. This will ensure you receive the correct cannula should you call us to order more.

1

2

3

Relieving irritation and drynessMasks and cannulae can irritate the nose and skin, especially for people on high flow rates. To relieve skin irritation and prevent dryness use water-based moisturiser, or non-petroleum gels such as KY Jelly for the nose. DO NOT use petroleum based gels or creams such as Vaseline. If in doubt, consult a Pharmacist.

Your oxygen supply tubeThe oxygen supply tube carries oxygen from the cylinder or concentrator machine to the mask or cannula. It is an important piece of equipment.

Check the oxygen tubing regularly for any obvious signs of damage such as kinking, flattening or splitting. If you notice any damage, replace it immediately.

Ensure that tubing does not become trapped, for instance in furniture, doors, as this will restrict, or even stop the flow of oxygen.

Please also take care to minimise problems which can be caused by pets in your home ie puncturing the tubing.

Caution Under no circumstances should the oxygen supply tube be totally immersed in water.

TroubleshootingIf you cannot resolve the issue with the information in this guide, switch to your back-up supply and call the Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373580, for emergencies this line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.



Baywater – 0800 373580Yorks & Humber, West Mids, Wales

N West(2), E Mids(3), London(1), S West(9) Air Liquide – 0808 14399(x)

East of England, North East BOC/Linde – 0800 136603

Home Oxygen Service Providers in England and Wales

South Central, South East Dolby – 0500 823773

NORTH EAST

YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE

WALES

SOUTH WEST

SOUTH CENTRALSOUTH EAST

LONDON

EAST MIDLANDS

NORTH WEST

WESTMIDLANDS

EAST OF ENGLAND

Newcastle upon Tyne

Carlisle

Middlesbrough

Northallerton

Barnsley

Lincoln

Norwich

Ipswich

Cambridge

ChelmsfordHertford

Bedford

Nottingham

Leicester

Northhampton

Matlock

Wakefield

ManchesterLiverpool

Chester

Shrewsbury

Llandrindod Wells

Carmarthen

Swansea

Cardiff

Newport

Stafford

West Bromwich

WarwickWorcester

Gloucester

Bristol

Trowbridge

Taunton

Dorchester Newport

Winchester

Chichester

Kingston

Reading

Aylesbury

Oxford

Lewes

Maidstone

Exeter

Truro

Mold

Caernarfon

PrestonKingston Upon

Hull


Travelling and HolidaysTransporting oxygen equipmentFollow this advice when transporting oxygen equipment:

• Inform your insurance company that you will be carrying oxygen (see overleaf for a sample letter).

• Secure cylinders safely in the boot of the vehicle, behind the front seats or on the back seat (see ‘Travelling with cylinders’).

• Never transport cylinders in the front passenger seat.

• If transporting several ambulatory cylinders always carry them in a green safety box; we can provide this if needed.

• Individual ambulatory cylinders should be kept in the carry bag.

• Never use oxygen in a fuel station and never smoke while oxygen is being used in the car.

Public transportYou are able to transport oxygen on public transport, however different companies will have different rules and regulations. Please liaise with your transport company before travel. The taxi legislation office at your local council has details of taxis that are registered to carry disabled passengers.

Ensure the cylinder is secure when using public transport.


Example Insurance Letter

Sample Motor/Home Insurance LTD

1 Sample Street

Sample TownSA1 MPL

Policy No: 123456789

Policyholder: Mr A Sample

Dear Sirs

I am writing to notify you that, as a user of

oxygen for medical purposes, I am required

to transport/store oxygen equipment in my

vehicle/home.

I will of course follow all the safety guidelines

on transporting/storing oxygen equipment

provided to me by my oxygen service provider.

If you would like any further information please

do not hesitate to ask.

Yours faithfully

Mr A Sample


Travelling with cylindersIf you transport cylinders in your car remember:

• Safely secure cylinders in the boot of the car, behind the front seats or strapped in the back seat.

• If you have a full car, safely secure the cylinder bag over the back of the front seat so the back seat is free for your passengers.

• If you are transporting several cylinders you could use a cylinder safety box – ask your Healthcare Technician for one or call our Healthcare Helpline.

• Never smoke while oxygen is being used in the car.

• Never use oxygen in a fuel station.

• Never store cylinders in the car.

• If you have to leave cylinders unattended in the car put them out of view in the boot.

Caution You may find cylinders heavy, take care when moving them.


Travelling with a concentrator machineWhen transporting a concentrator please remember:

• Keep it in an upright position.

• To take the back-up cylinder with you as well, just in case of emergencies such as a power cut (ensure this is safely secured during transport).

• Do not leave it on view in your car whilst it is unattended.

• If you travel to one of our regions and you have any problems with the machine simply call us.

• If you travel to a region that is not served by us then we cannot visit you if there is a problem with the machine. We can however arrange for a holiday supply free of charge – see the ‘Holiday service in the UK’ section for more information.

Caution Concentrator machines are heavy. Always take care when moving them.


Holiday service in the UKA HOOF is not required for stays away from home within the UK eg holidays or visiting family. Please call our Healthcare Helpline with the address that you will be staying at and the dates you will be arriving and departing. We will organise a delivery of oxygen supplies to your destination and have this supply removed once you leave.

Please note this only applies if the oxygen equipment required for your stay is the same as you have at home. If you require different equipment please see your Healthcare Professional who will send us a HOOF.

Please give us at least two weeks notice of any stays away from home.

Oxygen supplies delivered as part of the Home Oxygen Service within the UK are supplied free of charge.

Republic of Ireland is excluded.

Secondary addressesWe can provide an oxygen supply exactly the same as the one supplied at your home to another address. This could be a holiday home, a family members’ house you visit regularly or respite care. Please call our Healthcare Helpline for more information.

Moving houseIf you are moving house, call us with the name of your new doctors’ surgery (if you are changing).

Home insuranceYou should inform your insurance company that oxygen equipment will be used and stored in your home. See the

Inform us two weeks in

advance of any PERMANENT

change of address


example insurance letter earlier in this section.

Bank holidaysWe write to you before Bank Holidays to let you know our last ordering dates and our opening times for non-emergency calls.

Going outside the UKIf you’re travelling abroad you will need to arrange for oxygen supplies yourself. We can provide details of suppliers, please call our Healthcare Helpline.

FlyingOur cylinders are for use within the UK only.

Speak to your Healthcare Professional before planning a flight, you may need to complete a flight assessment.

If oxygen is needed during a flight, we recommend that you always speak to the medical officer of the airline you’re flying with. You may have to pay for an oxygen supply when you are flying, but this depends on the individual company.

CruisesOxygen for cruise holidays from the UK is not available under the Home Oxygen Service.

Please note: We cannot supply oxygen to a tent, and an oxygen supply should never be used in a tent. As oxygen can help fires burn more fiercely we recommend that anyone using oxygen stays at least 3m (10 feet) away from naked flames – this includes campfires, firepits, chimineas, barbeques and gas heaters.


Your RightsAs a recipient of the Home Oxygen Service you have signed a Home Oxygen Consent Form and agreed to us sharing your information with your hospital care team, your GP, the home care team and other teams (eg NHS administration and the Fire and Rescue Service) as necessary.

You have the right to certain expectations, such as the time it takes for us to deliver oxygen once it has been ordered, your right to complain about the service and opting out of patient surveys.

You may withdraw your consent at any time, at which point your oxygen equipment will be removed.

If your Healthcare Professional decides you no longer require oxygen, they will contact the Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373580 to arrange for a removal/collection.

Data protectionThe patient understands that he/she can exercise rights of access, correction, objection and other rights upon written request to:

Baywater Healthcare Wulvern House Electra Way Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6GW

There may be a charge for this.


QuestionnairesSoon after oxygen has been installed we will contact you to complete a brief questionnaire (by phone). The NHS may also contact you to ask that you complete a questionnaire.

You have the right to opt out of these surveys. This can be indicated on the Home Oxygen Consent Form completed by your Healthcare Professional, or alternatively you can call us.

Advice on how to access any information that you provide will be supplied at the time.

Feedback procedureIf our service does not meet your expectations, please call us immediately on 0800 373580. If you are still unhappy, a complaint should be put in writing and sent to:

Customer Feedback Baywater Healthcare Wulvern House Electra Way Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6GW

Adverse events – If you have problemsBaywater want to ensure that all users of home oxygen are safe and do not have any problems with their medical oxygen or equipment. However, there may be times when patients or their carers experience problems. Some problems, such as patients who feel unwell when using their oxygen equipment will need further investigation. The regulatory authorities call these adverse effects or incidents and we may need to report these. In these cases, we will need to check your cylinders and/or your equipment and ask for further information. It is important for people to report problems experienced with their oxygen or equipment by calling 0800 373580.


Baywater Healthcare Patient ExperienceAt Baywater Healthcare we pride ourselves on listening and responding to our patients. As a result our patients enjoy the following commitments:

• Access – to our 24/7 Healthcare Helpline & Healthcare Technician support, please call 0800 373580 and we will listen and act promptly

• Reliability – you can trust us to follow the instructions of your Healthcare Professional

• Training – when we install your equipment, we will train you on how to use it safely

• Patient centred healthcare – we realise some of you would like the reassurance of regular dates for servicing/refilling of oxygen and its equipment so we offer the option of routine dates to be booked

• Trust – every six months we will service your equipment and conduct a risk assessment


Glossary of TermsHopefully this glossary of terms will help you understand some of the terminology we use.

Barrel: This is the section that attaches to the bottom of the mask (it can be different colours) to determine the percentage of oxygen that the patient needs. The barrel type you need is ordered by your Healthcare Professional.

Cannulae: They can also be known as ‘nasal specs’ and is the plastic tubing with the pieces that fit up the nose to supply the oxygen.

Consumables: These can also be known as disposables and applies to the mask, tubing and cannulae.

Firebreak: This is the small white plastic device which is fitted on to the length of tubing, the blue arrow should always be facing the patient and should never be removed as it can prevent fire spreading up the tubing.

Flowrate: This is the term used to describe how many litres per minute the patient has been ordered. This setting is decided by a Healthcare Professional and should not be altered unless specifically told to do so.

HOOF: This stands for Home Oxygen Order Form and is the form that your GP or Healthcare Team will complete to let us know what your oxygen supply should be and where we should deliver it.


Useful ContactsBaywater Healthcare – www.baywater.co.uk or 0800 373 580Our website provides information regarding the service.

British Lung Foundation – www.blf.org.uk or 03000 030 555 This UK charity supports those affected by lung disease.

Breathe Easy Support Groups-www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/breathe-easy or 03000 030 555 230 support groups across the UK ran by the British Lung Foundation.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust – www.cftrust.org.uk or 0300 373 1000Offers support for both sufferers and their carers.

National Fire Service – www.fireservice.co.ukFree information on fire safety. You can also arrange a free home fire safety check. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this valuable life saving service.

NHS Choices-www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx Official site of the NHS in England.

NHS Scotland- www.scot.nhs.uk/ Official site of the NHS in Scotland.

NHS Wales- www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/Official site of the NHS in Wales.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association – www.phassociation.uk.com or 01709 761450 Provides information on Pulmonary Hypertension.

Smoke Free - www.nhs.uk/smokefree or 0300 123 1044A website dedicated to helping people quit smoking.


Notes


Notes

13/001/UK-JAN20

189547189547

For more information please contact:

Baywater HealthcareWulvern HouseElectra WayCreweCheshireCW1 6GW

Call: 0800 373580Fax: 0800 214709

[email protected]

@BaywaterHealth

Baywater Healthcare

Baywater Healthcare

Mae’r llyfryn hwn ar gael yn Gymraeg

Documents

A Guide to The Home Oxygen Service For Adult Oxygen Users