Just had a 5 day stay at Combe Martin in North Devon and had to organise oxygen in the caravan we were staying in. I phoned Air Products who contacted Air Liquid and hey presto when we got to the caravan a concentrator had been installed, 5 portable cylinders and a large back up cylinder were along side. Wow! I love it when a plan comes together.
Once again its great to know that these two companies work well together and that there is a good reliable system out there for us all when we decide to leave the safety of our own homes.
Tony.
Written by
dall05
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Air Products have been fantastic but, a word of warning, our wonderful NHS have stamped down on them so they can only do everything by the book.
Example, I ordered replacement cylinders and unfortunately my partner forgot to put the empties out. In the past the engineer has left at least one to tide me through but he didn't this time, merely left a note. When I phoned them in a bit of a state they told me they can only replace when they get empties or that I needed a health professional to phone to get them back as an emergency.
Fortunately I still had a bit of oxygen left to tide me over to the next day but I think it's sick that all humanity is controlled by the NHS. I understand it's expensive for them to return to an unsuccessful delivery but this wouldn't have happened if Air Products had had the leeway to use their intelligence and trust me with an extra cylinder for a day (which they've done in the past.)
Sorry this is a bit of a rant but it really upset me last week.
I know what your saying, I've found that it varies on who the delivery driver is and whether he will bend the rules or not. Some will and some won't.
You may have the same drivers as me as I'm from Malvern.
You should always have an emergency cylinder just in case, see if you can get some more prescribed through your respiratory nurse. Sara at Worcs Royal Hospital could help you out there.
I'm with Air Products, I find them really helpful and effecient. They do seem to be making some changes as Jude says, they now leave me 4 portable cylinders instead of 2, means they deliver less often which is supposed to be more cost effecient, I was very pleased to have 4 cylinders instead of 2.
It makes sense to cut down on the deliveries if you can. I found out through one of the phone operators from Air Products that I was entitled to 6 cylinders from 2 so I ordered the 6. I now have plenty but now the weather is better I can still get through them in a week.
I always try and time it so they can deliver at least 5 at a time.
I'm wondering at the moment whether to change to liquid oxygen, they say I can store it in my garage and fill my own as and when I need it.
I'm told its much lighter to carry but I'm not sure about what litres it can deliver and how long It will last on one fill.
I see my consultant on Wednesday, so I'll try and see the respiratory nurse while I'm there. I can find out more and if she will prescribe it too me.
I wish i was still with Air Products, they are an excellent company. Am currently waiting on a delivery of portables from Air Liquide which were ordered last Thursday. Got my fingers crossed that they deliver in time for me to get to the Test match on wednesday.
Air products have been brilliant with me too. They always bring the oxy on the next day of ordering. I have heard a few bad things about Air Liquid. It seems as though they have taken a lot of the contracts off Air Products by under cutting them. No good to us though if the service suffers.
I have 5 cylinders with a standing order for 2 each Monday and Friday but apparently if they have spares on board and I leave an extra cylinder out they'll replace it ... equally, if I only need one I don't have to let them know. Civilised arrangement!
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