The majority of patients prescribed oxygen have a respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis. Oxygen may also be of benefit for patients with chronic asthma or sleep disordered breathing. Patients with cardiac or neurological disease (e.g. cluster headaches) may also be prescribed home oxygen.

If you have low oxygen levels, you may be referred to a home oxygen assessment and review service (HOS-AR).  This offers easy access to appropriately qualified and trained healthcare professionals, who would assess your need for home oxygen therapy. Using the appropriate diagnostic equipment, the respiratory specialists will assess your health to understand your specific needs ensuring you receive the right treatment and prescription.

What you can expect from your first appointment: 

• A discussion about your diagnosis
• Recording of your oxygen levels, by placing a small probe on to one of your fingers
• A blood gas test, that involves taking a small sample of blood from your ear lobe
• You may be asked to perform a walking test, which allows us to understand if your oxygen levels are lower when you are walking
• To be provided with information about your oxygen requirements
• To have a review of your current medications and be provided with a self-management plan
• With your consent, you may be referred to other agencies to support your healthcare needs