Recurring concern

Unsafe provision of oxygen therapy

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First reported 24 Nov 2014•Latest report 17 Nov 2025

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures in prescribing, recording, supplying or delivering oxygen where they prevent provision of the required oxygen flow or target range.

Not included

  • Oxygen-related fire controls
  • Oxygen-concentrator equipment alarms or fault procedures
  • Monitoring or discharge documentation that does not affect required oxygen provision
Reports
9

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
10

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2014–2025

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
13

Described in published responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Acorn Lodge Care Centre1
Boc Limited1
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust1
Circle Health Group Limited1
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust1
Department of Health and Social Care1
Dolby Vivisol1
gtd healthcare1
Invacare Limited1
Lodge Care Home1
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency1
NHS England1
Philips Respironics1
Princess Alexandra Hospital1
Royal Bolton Hospital1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    Paolino AMICO · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Paolino Amico, who had metastatic bladder cancer and advanced clinical frailty, was admitted with severe bilateral pneumonia and died in hospital on 12 June 2024. He received multiple overdoses of slow-release morphine following a prescription error, with concerns also raised about medication administration, delayed emergency escalation, oxygen provision after discharge, and the management of morphine reversal and pain relief.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to provide oxygen flow meeting patient requirements at discharge

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The consultant required a discharge plan for oxygen therapy to be in place before Mr Amico could go home. The hospital discharge plan and medications were confusing and the referral for oxygen therapy requirement was unclear, and the PAT testing for the machine was out of date. Paramedics advised the family that the oxygen provided on Mr Amico’s discharge was low flow and was not meeting his oxygen requirements with his oxygen saturations at 68% and this immediately improved on ambulance crew equipment. ”

    Source location

    Paolino AMICO · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The hospital trust is responsible for providing the response and addressing the reported concerns through its governance arrangements and actions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust will be providing their own response to this Report, however, the Hertfordshire & West Essex ICB have advised NHS England of the Trust’s governance arrangements and actions being taken to address the concerns raised. It is understood that the Trust’s Patient Safety Group (PSG) has active oversight of several of the areas highlighted in the Report, particularly medicines safety, recognition of deterioration, and incident learning.”

    Source location

    Response from NHS England
    Page 4 · response
    Published 19 November 2025

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The prescribed home oxygen level was appropriate because it reflected an evidence-based respiratory assessment at discharge.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The comments from the paramedics relate to Mr Amico’s oxygen requirement at the time they assessed him. At the time of discharge the respiratory nurse had assessed Mr Amico and his oxygen requirements based on an evidence-based assessment and the appropriate level of oxygen based on those observations was prescribed and arranged for him at home.”

    Source location

    Response from Princess Alexandra Hospital
    Page 3 · response
    Published 19 November 2025

    Open published response
  2. Milton Keynes

    AI-generated summary

    Florence Elizabeth Catherine STEWART · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Florence Elizabeth Catherine Stewart, who had been admitted to the Campbell Centre as a voluntary patient following detention under section 136 of the Mental Health Act, suffered a hypoxic brain injury after hanging herself and died at Milton Keynes University Hospital on 23 January 2024. The concerns identified were the failure of high-level intermittent observations to prevent her suicide and an oxygen bottle running out during resuscitation.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unavailability of oxygen from a resuscitation oxygen bottle

    Wider context from the report

    “Firstly that the system of high level intermittent observations failed to prevent Florence's suicide and needs a fundamental review. Secondly, that the Oxygen bottle used during resuscitation ran out of oxygen. ”

    Source location

    Florence Elizabeth Catherine STEWART · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Require trained nurses to conduct daily oxygen-supply checks and induct temporary and new staff on oxygen availability before care begins.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Divisional Directors have confirmed that there is always an ample supply of oxygen across the Campbell Centre, which is easily accessible to trained staff. They have checked that all of our nurses are trained to conduct daily checks of the supplies and that temporary, or new staff members, receive an induction on oxygen availability before they start providing care.”

    Source location

    Response from Central and NW London NHS Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 11 October 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The Campbell Centre always has an ample, accessible oxygen supply, disputing that the resuscitation oxygen bottle ran out.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Divisional Directors have confirmed that there is always an ample supply of oxygen across the Campbell Centre, which is easily accessible to trained staff. They have checked that all of our nurses are trained to conduct daily checks of the supplies and that temporary, or new staff members, receive an induction on oxygen availability before they start providing care.”

    Source location

    Response from Central and NW London NHS Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 11 October 2024

    Open published response
  3. Manchester West

    AI-generated summary

    Jean Griffiths · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jean Griffiths died at Salford Royal Hospital on 15 July 2017 after displaying symptoms of Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis; her disconnected oxygen lead did not contribute to her death. The report raised concerns about poor oxygen-prescribing practice and the risk to patient safety when supplementary oxygen is given without a valid prescription and target range, although there was no evidence that this contributed to Jean Griffiths’ death.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of valid prescriptions for supplementary oxygen including target ranges

    Wider context from the report

    “1. In the course of the Inquest I heard evidence from ████████ who is a consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Salford Royal Foundation NHS Trust. ████████ referred in his evidence to the British Thoracic Society’s Emergency Oxygen Audit Report relating to a National Audit Period between the 15th August and the 1st November 2015. 2. ████████ stated that the Audit Report revealed a threat to patient safety due to poor prescribing practice in relation to the prescription of oxygen. 3. A key finding of the report was that 42.5% of patients receiving supplementary oxygen had no valid prescription. Without a valid prescription which includes a target range, ████████ stated that there was a danger that patients might be given too little oxygen or too much oxygen and thus be placed at risk of increased mortality. 4. A copy of the relevant Audit Report is attached. 5. ████████ evidence was that the pace of changing this poor prescribing practice needed to increase. 6. Although there was no evidence that Jean Griffiths’ lack of oxygen prescription was in any way causative of or contributory to her death nevertheless this report is submitted with a view to preventing the deaths of other patients who might be at risk. ”

    Source location

    Jean Griffiths · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  4. County Durham and Darlington

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Matthews · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mr Matthews, who had pneumoconiosis and COPD, was admitted to hospital after being found collapsed and later suffered further cardiac arrests before dying on 19 February 2016. The principal concerns were that oxygen was not prescribed or recorded at the required rate, and that there was no system to ensure the oxygen concentrator was working correctly or that damage to it was promptly reported and investigated.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to prescribe and record oxygen flow rates on the drug chart

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) Notwithstanding the conclusion of the manufactuer that the oxygen was still being delivered by the device in the right concentration, I am concerned that there was no system in place to ensure that the oxygen was being administered at the prescribed rate. An oxygen concentrator had been set up for use by the patient and the flow rate had been set at 2 litres per minute. The Trust's policy states that all oxygen must be prescribed and the prescribed rate should be recorded on the drug chart. The oxygen was not prescribed on the drug chart and the flow rate was not recorded. This meant that staff were unaware of the prescribed rate and there was no means of checking that the concentrator was delivering the prescribed flow rate. (3) The Trust's policy for oxygen states that oxygen must be prescribed and that the prescribed rate should be recorded on the drug chart. However, no such prescription was made in the drug chart and no record was made of the flow rate. ”

    Source location

    Mr Matthews · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to ensure administration of oxygen at the prescribed rate

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) Notwithstanding the conclusion of the manufactuer that the oxygen was still being delivered by the device in the right concentration, I am concerned that there was no system in place to ensure that the oxygen was being administered at the prescribed rate. An oxygen concentrator had been set up for use by the patient and the flow rate had been set at 2 litres per minute. The Trust's policy states that all oxygen must be prescribed and the prescribed rate should be recorded on the drug chart. The oxygen was not prescribed on the drug chart and the flow rate was not recorded. This meant that staff were unaware of the prescribed rate and there was no means of checking that the concentrator was delivering the prescribed flow rate. (3) The Trust's policy for oxygen states that oxygen must be prescribed and that the prescribed rate should be recorded on the drug chart. However, no such prescription was made in the drug chart and no record was made of the flow rate. ”

    Source location

    Mr Matthews · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  5. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    Doreen Mattinson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Doreen Mattinson, an 80-year-old resident of Acorn Care Home with dementia and other comorbidities, deteriorated rapidly with laboured breathing on 12 November 2015. Concerns were raised about the administration of oxygen, including the flow rate, her supine position, and the absence of evidence of training for the registered nurse who administered it.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to administer the required oxygen flow

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The London Ambulance Service attended Mrs Mattinson on 12 November 2015 and made a Safeguarding Report relating to the use of the oxygen. It had been reported that Mrs Mattinson had been lying supine on the bed saturating at 84% and struggling to breath. The oxygen could not be heard to be running and it was noted that only 1 litre was running when this should have been a15 litre flow with the mask applied. ”

    Source location

    Doreen Mattinson · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  6. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    Amanda Jane Ellams · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Amanda Jane Ellams died approximately four days after surgery to repair an incisional hernia in February 2015. The concerns included inadequate medical and nursing record-keeping, incomplete pre-operative medical information, discharge despite low oxygen saturations and inadequate oxygen monitoring, and three unanswered calls to the out-of-hours District Nursing telephone service during the night of her death.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to prevent unsafe disconnection of oxygen supply and departure from the ward

    Wider context from the report

    “2. The Alexandra Hospital Staff Nurse conceded that Mrs Ellams was discharged from hospital even though it is now clear that her oxygen saturations were still too low for such discharge to take place. There was what appeared to be a very lax attitude to recording and monitoring the Blood/Oxygen levels and the patient was allowed to disconnect her oxygen supply and walk out of the ward to go for a cigarette. (BMI Healthcare) ”

    Source location

    Amanda Jane Ellams · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  7. Manchester West

    AI-generated summary

    Brian Anthony Gillard · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Brian Anthony Gillard, who had asbestosis and required ambulatory oxygen, died at Royal Bolton Hospital on 20 March 2015 after collapsing and suffering a cardiac arrest while using the toilet. The concerns included a lack of handover about his oxygen requirement, transfer to the toilet without oxygen, and leaving him unsupervised in a toilet without an emergency pull-cord.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to provide required oxygen during patient transfers within a ward

    Wider context from the report

    “iii. There was no handover in relation to Mr Gillard’s transfer from the Emergency Department at the Hospital to D1 Ward at the Hospital, particularly in relation to his need for Ambulatory Oxygen and subsequently he was taken to the toilet without the use of Oxygen. He was left in the toilet on his own, and without supervision by a Nurse outside the door, for approximately four minutes during which he suffered a cardiac arrest believed to be secondary to Hypoxia. iv. It was accepted that there was a facility to use a portable Oxygen supply for use between his bed and the toilet but the portable supply was not used because Mr Gillard was happy to go to the toilet without Oxygen and his need for Ambulatory Oxygen was not known to the Ward Staff on D1 Ward. ”

    Source location

    Brian Anthony Gillard · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report
  8. Teesside

    AI-generated summary

    Sandra Danks · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Sandra Danks required continuous home oxygen supplied by an electrically powered apparatus. An electricity interruption stopped the apparatus, and she was unable to use the nearby spare oxygen bottle before she died. The principal concern was that the main oxygen apparatus had no backup to maintain oxygen provision during a power interruption.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of backup oxygen provision during interruption of the main oxygen apparatus

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) An interruption in the electricity supply to the main oxygen apparatus stopped the oxygen provision and there was no back up on the main oxygen apparatus to continue to provide oxygen, thus leaving Mrs Danks in a very vulnerable position. ”

    Source location

    Sandra Danks · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Supply backup oxygen cylinders and train home oxygen patients in equipment use and emergency procedures.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “BOC delivers oxygen to home patients as part of its North East NHS contract. BOC has held the contract since 2011 following a public procurement tender process. BOC follows to the letter the requirements of such contract in terms of the specification given by North East NHS for the equipment and services provided and which are determined by the primary caregivers. As part of an oxygen concentrator installation - for long term oxygen therapy - the contract stipulates that BOC will deliver and train the patient on the use of a back-up oxygen cylinder in case of equipment malfunction or power failure. The back-up oxygen cylinder lasts 8 hours at the patient's prescribed flow rate and BOC will attend to the equipment reported fault within that period of time.”

    Source location

    2014-0525-Response-by-BOC-Healthcare
    Page 1 · response
    Published 3 December 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Existing policies, contractual requirements, backup oxygen provision, training, servicing and risk assessments were considered sufficient for patient safety.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “BOC takes patient safety very seriously and has in place robust policies and procedures to ensure the safety of patients using BOC’s Oxygen Concentrators. BOC has conducted a full review of both its general policies and procedures in respect of the supply of oxygen concentrators and also a full review of BOC’s actions in respect of this specific patient since the initial supply of oxygen in July 2013.”

    Source location

    2014-0525-Response-by-BOC-Healthcare
    Page 1 · response
    Published 3 December 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Removed oxygen equipment was found in working order, and BOC was not contacted during the power failure.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In dealing with this patient, BOC has followed its robust processes and procedures, and is in compliance with the terms of its contract with North East NHS. The oxygen equipment was checked at the required regular intervals and all necessary risk assessments were carried out in line with BOC's contractual obligations. In the particular instance of this patient and the power failure, BOC was not contacted by the patient or a family member at the time of the power failure - had BOC been contacted, the advice given would have been for this patient to use the back-up oxygen cylinder supplied by BOC until power was reconnected. BOC would then have made a visit to replenish the back-up oxygen cylinder.”

    Source location

    2014-0525-Response-by-BOC-Healthcare
    Page 3 · response
    Published 3 December 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Following its comprehensive review, BOC saw no reason at present to take further action, while continuing to monitor procedures.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Following BOC’s comprehensive review of its policies and procedures in respect of the supply of oxygen concentrators and BOC’s actions in respect of the current incident, BOC sees no reason at present to take any further action. BOC shall however continue to monitor its current procedures and make any adjustments and improvements as necessary.”

    Source location

    2014-0525-Response-by-BOC-Healthcare
    Page 3 · response
    Published 3 December 2014

    Open published response
  9. Surrey

    AI-generated summary

    Gaenor Moore · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Gaenor Moore, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and required an oxygen concentrator with humidifier, became breathless, deteriorated and died at her residential care home after the humidifier cap was not properly engaged, preventing oxygen flow to her nasal cannula. Concerns included the absence of a visual or audible alarm to indicate loss of oxygen flow and training and literature that did not explain the implications of failing to properly engage the humidifier cap.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to properly engage the humidifier screw cap, causing loss of oxygen flow to the nasal cannula

    Wider context from the report

    “• The lack of oxygen flow to the nasal cannula as a result of the screw cap to the humidifier not being properly engaged. • Absence of a visual or audible alarm on concentrator machine (product number INV-IRC5PO2AWN) to indicate the loss of oxygen flow to the nasal cannula when the screw cap to the humidifier (manufactured by Salter Labs) was tightened and cross threaded. • Accompanying training and literature did not reference the implications to oxygen flow in the event of failing to properly engage the screw cap to the humidifier. ”

    Source location

    Gaenor Moore · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Complete a multidisciplinary technical review of the humidifier thread design and document its findings in the risk management file.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As a result of this incident and in light of the Coroner’s recommendation, Salter convened an internal multi-disciplinary technical design review in December 2014 to evaluate the thread design on several commercially available bubble humidifiers, including the Salter Bals 7600 series bubble humidifier. The design review team determined that:”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Salter-Labs
    Page 2 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Add multilingual labeling instructing users to check that the lid is properly sealed and explaining that leaks can reduce oxygen delivery.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Product Labeling – Corrective Action Pending”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Salter-Labs
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Liaise with Invacare about revised instructions warning of oxygen-flow effects when humidifier caps are improperly fastened.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3.2 The Company is actively liaising with Invacare (UK) Limited in relation to amendments proposed to their current instructions, which will warn about the potential effect of a failure to properly fasten a humidifier cap to its oxygen concentrator. The correspondence with Invacare is currently on-going, although I am told that Invacare proposes to update its instructions within the coming months. Upon receiving the final update from Invacare we will correspondingly review and/or update our instructions and training material.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Modify humidifier literature to explain incorrect connection risks and emphasise confirming oxygen flow from the nasal cannula.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “It is proposed that the humidifier leaflet will be modified to provide increased awareness of the impact caused by failure to connect the humidifier bottle correctly. Also there will be greater emphasis on the need to confirm the flow of oxygen from the nasal cannula. These enhancements will be reinforced during the patient/carer training provided by the Dolby Vivisol technicians.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review and update company instructions and training materials after receiving manufacturers’ finalized amendments.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3.1 The Company is actively liaising with Salter Labs which manufactures the humidifier. Salter Labs has proposed additional wording on the product instructions in order to avoid leaks, and warn about the potential effect of a leak on the oxygen supply. The Company’s correspondence with Salter Labs is currently on-going, although I am informed by Salter Labs that updated labels will be attached to relevant products manufactured after 15 February 2015. Upon receiving the update from Salter Labs we will correspondingly review and/or update our instructions and training material.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Submit finalized literature amendments to NHS contract managers for approval.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3.3 Once all draft amendments to current literature have been finalised, the proposed amendments will be sent as soon as possible to NHS contract managers for approval.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Distribute approved updated literature to current and future equipment users, highlighting amendments for current humidifier patients.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3.4 When approval is obtained from the NHS contract managers, the updated literature will be sent to all current and future Equipment users. The amendments will be specifically highlighted to current humidifier patients.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Communicate literature amendments to relevant staff and reinforce them during future patient and carer installation training.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3.2 The Company is actively liaising with Invacare (UK) Limited in relation to amendments proposed to their current instructions, which will warn about the potential effect of a failure to properly fasten a humidifier cap to its oxygen concentrator. The correspondence with Invacare is currently on-going, although I am told that Invacare proposes to update its instructions within the coming months. Upon receiving the final update from Invacare we will correspondingly review and/or update our instructions and training material.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide guidance in current manuals on securely fastening humidifier bottle caps.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I can confirm that Invacare’s current manuals already contain clear guidance on securely fastening the caps on humidifier bottles that may be added on as an accessory. As part of our review following the inquest we have agreed to enhance the guidance provided.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Invacare
    Page 4 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Update customer manuals with warnings that cross-threaded or improperly installed humidifier bottles and accessories can affect oxygen flow.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I can confirm that Invacare’s current manuals already contain clear guidance on securely fastening the caps on humidifier bottles that may be added on as an accessory. As part of our review following the inquest we have agreed to enhance the guidance provided.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Invacare
    Page 4 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Phase the updated warning into all Invacare manuals over the next several months.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “This update will be phased into all Invacare manuals within the next several months. As is our usual practice, a technical update will also be sent to all customers in Europe to confirm that our manuals have been updated.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Invacare
    Page 5 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The current humidifier thread design is appropriate and has reduced cross-threading risk as far as possible.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “humidifier required less rotation to secure the lid than any of the other humidifiers evaluated. This is an important design consideration for the typical humidifier user or carer.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Salter-Labs
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The humidifier’s existing safety valve and leak-test instructions provide warnings for blockages and leaks, including cross-threading-related leaks.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “2. Absence of a visual or audible alarm on concentrator machine (product number INV-IRCSPO2AWN) to indicate the loss of oxygen flow to the nasal cannula when the screw cap to the humidifier (manufactured by Salter Labs) was tightened and cross threaded.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Salter-Labs
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Equipment manufacture and design concerns should be addressed by the relevant manufacturers, Invacare and Salter Labs.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As stated above, the Company cannot respond on points relating to the manufacture or design of the Equipment. Concerns about these issues should properly be addressed by the manufacturer of the oxygen concentrator and/or humidifier (Invacare (UK) Limited and Salter Labs respectively).”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Dolby-Vivsol
    Page 2 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Humidifier bottles are supplied by others, so Salter Labs should directly address concerns about their design and operation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Further, I can confirm that we do not produce or provide humidifier bottles in the United Kingdom. As such, it is appropriate for Salter Labs, as a manufacturer of humidifier bottles, to directly address this point in their response.”

    Source location

    2014-0512-Response-by-Invacare
    Page 3 · response
    Published 24 November 2014

    Open published response
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Data last updated 7 September 2026