Oxygen

Long term oxygen therapy is indicated for patients with severe resting hypoxaemia.

All patients thought to require oxygen should be referred directly to the respiratory clinical nurse specialists for assessment.

Below is the referral guidance for secondary care:

• Patients must have an established respiratory diagnosis
• Patients must be non-smoking (minimum abstinence of 3 months)
• SpO2 ≤ 92% on air at rest
• SpO2 <90% on exertion
• Patients being discharged from hospital with hypoxia post exacerbation COPD for assessment when stable i.e. 4-6 weeks after discharge.