§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans his Department has for the replacement of cylinder oxygen in National Health Service hospitals in Northern Ireland with concentrators; and what clinical and financial benefits he expects to attach to such replacements.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThere are no such plans.
§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current state of the domiciliary oxygen service in Northern Ireland; what changes his Department is making to prescribing practices and supply; and what representations he has received from patients about such charges.
§ Mr. Chris PattenPatients needing regular supplies of oxygen obtain it on prescription from pharmacists who deliver oxygen cylinders to their homes. Although this service is satisfactory, consideration is being given to the provision of oxygen concentrators for patients requiring large quantities of oxygen. No representations have been received from patients about possible changes.