Dentists urged to return oxygen supplies to minimise risk of a shortage

With thousands of COVID-19 patients needing ventilators and oxygen to help them fight the virus, BOC Healthcare is asking dental practices to consider giving back unwanted or unused medical cylinders to minimise any unnecessary stretch in the supply chain. 

On the first weekend of this month, Watford General Hospital in Hertfordshire declared a critical incident with its oxygen supply.

The Trust announced the concerns when it realised it needed to reduce the demand on the system. People were asked to go elsewhere in an emergency, whilst some of the hospital’s patients were moved to prevent systems failing.

Now, BOC has launched an appeal for customers to send back supplies.

A spokesperson explained: ‘BOC has contacted some customers requesting that they return unwanted or unused medical cylinders to minimise any unnecessary stretch in our supply chain. 

‘If practices are closed and cylinders are not being used, they can be returned to us to assist in our supply contingencies. Cylinders will be replenished once facilities re-open.