A COVID patient believes a home monitor which checks oxygen levels in the blood played a big role in saving his life. Mike Hale, 66, a patient at Mill Street Medical Practice in St Helens, was one of the first patients to receive a pulse oximeter. He had developed Covid-19 symptoms along with other members of his family on January 3. Mike had no significant underlying conditions but whereas his wife and son recovered quickly, he felt more and more unwell and began to suffer pain while breathing. By January 13, he was feeling so unwell that his wife contacted 111, which confirmed his symptoms were not severe enough for a 999 emergency.
By Andrew Ffrench @OxMailAndyF Business reporter covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425
The oximeter test Picture: SCAS Paramedics at South Central Ambulance Service have become the first in the country to supply Covid-19 patients with home oxygen monitoring kits. The initiative, which began in Hampshire but is now running across the Thames Valley region, will ensure patients who have mild symptoms but other risk factors, such as age over 65 years, cancer or other health conditions, can monitor their oxygen levels and know when to seek help. The packs contain a pulse oximeter device, a symptom diary and a set of strict guidelines and are only distributed to patients who require emergency assessment by the ambulance service.
A normal oxygen level in the blood is between 95 per cent and 100 per cent.
In an attempt to save lives, the NHS
bought hundreds of thousands of oximeters (oxygen monitors) for patients with Covid-19 to use at home
.
The Covid Oximetry at Home service was
set up by NHS England as a way of making sure patients vulnerable to coronavirus are monitored at home and any deterioration picked up and treated quickly, increasing their chance of recovery.
Once a person tests positive for Covid-19, the test-and-trace service notifies their GP, which enables them to refer eligible people into the service