The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7432 p760
23/30 December 2006

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How to obtain oxygen away from home

Arrangements for supplying oxygen to patients from Scotland during visits to England and Wales, and vice versa, are outlined in an NHS circular published by the Scottish Executive this week. Patients need to be aware of the different routes of supply (ie, regional oxygen suppliers in England and Wales, and pharmacies in Scotland).

All patients should be advised to get a home oxygen order form from their prescriber at least four weeks before travelling. For patients who live in Scotland, this form should be sent to Scottish Healthcare Supplies which will arrange oxygen delivery with a regional supplier in England or Wales. For patients who live in England or Wales, the form should be sent to their oxygen supplier which will contact Scottish Healthcare Suppliers. It will then tell the patient which pharmacy will supply the oxygen.

The home oxygen order form is recognised in Scotland as an NHS prescription. Further details can be found in the NHS circular