Home Oxygen Therapy

A very good friend of mine has been given 6 months to live; he is currently in hosptial as his SATS keep dropping and is on oxygen.  Once his SATS are ok, he can go home, however, the hospitals policy on ex smokers is that they have had to given up smoking for 3 months before they will provide him with home oxygen. He only gave up at Easter.  He is desperate to leave hosptial to go and see his family to break the news to them.  Is there anyway he can get oxygen therapy without having to pay for it as he is not working due to the cancer?

  • Hello Nex and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn of your friend's situation and that he has been told he may only have 6 months to live, this must be very difficult for him.

    It is worth your friend speaking with his hospital team again, to clarify if the hospital policy applies to his situation with his outlook being just 6 months. It might also be worth him checking with his GP as they can arrange oxygen therapy at home.

    I also wondered if your friend had been referred to the palliative care team for symptom control and support. They help people manage any symptoms they may have and community palliative care teams can support him when he is at home. This is something the hospital or the GP can arrange on his behalf.

    I hope this helps a little. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma