There were shortages of the life-saving gas over Christmas at the Queen Elizabeth in south east London and urgent moves to boost oxygen capacity at St Helier’s near Epsom after unprecedented demand.
One doctor at a London hospital said colleagues had been asked to conserve oxygen levels to ensure they did not run out. "We've been told to stagger breaks off of the non-invasive ventilation and make sure we're aiming for correct O2 targets to conserve (it)," she said.
Southend Hospital staff have been told to cut the overall amount of oxygen used for patients. "We have reached a critical situation with oxygen supply," said a letter to staff seen by the BBC. “It is imperative we use oxygen safely and efficiently.”
It said patients should have “a target saturation of 88-92 per cent” and that oxygen should be reduced for patients with above 92 per cent saturation.
Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for the NHS in London, said: “The NHS has enough oxygen supplies to meet current demand and will continue to work with suppliers to manage any future needs.
“It is more important than ever that Londoners do everything possible to reduce social transmission and help reduce infection rates.”
Hospitals have been told that if they are reaching oxygen capacity, patients will be moved to a nearby hospital.
The capital’s NHS is under unprecedented pressure from Covid infections and regular winter demands.
