Oxygen is an essential medical gas used extensively in hospitals for a wide range of clinical situations, from emergency care and surgery to long-term treatment of respiratory diseases. Hence, ensuring a consistent and safe supply of medical oxygen is a critical function for healthcare facilities.
For many hospitals, particularly in settings where piped oxygen infrastructure is limited or unavailable, oxygen cylinders form the backbone of oxygen delivery systems. Effective management of oxygen cylinder supply involves strategic planning, efficient logistics, adherence to safety standards, and accurate monitoring to ensure that patient needs are met without interruption.
Hospitals employ several methods to manage their oxygen cylinder supply efficiently. The approaches may vary depending on the size of the facility, patient volume, and available infrastructure, but the following are some of the most common and important practices:
Inventory Tracking and Demand Forecasting
Hospitals use dedicated inventory management systems to track the number of oxygen cylinders on-site, their usage rates, and their pressure levels which enables staff to monitor which cylinders are full, in use, or empty and to anticipate future demand.
Demand forecasting is based on patient admissions, seasonal illness trends (e.g. influenza or respiratory virus outbreaks), and ICU capacity. By analysing historical data and real-time usage, hospitals can plan timely replenishments and avoid running out of oxygen.
Some facilities use digital inventory systems with barcode scanning or RFID tagging to make the process more accurate and less labour-intensive.
Centralised Cylinder Storage and Distribution
Hospitals typically have a central oxygen cylinder storage area, often located near loading bays or engineering departments. From this central location, staff distribute cylinders to different wards, operating theatres, and treatment units. This centralised approach helps with easier tracking, reduces the risk of loss or damage, and ensures that safety protocols are consistently applied.
Cylinders are usually stored upright, secured in racks, and organised according to whether they are full, in use, or empty. Clear labelling and strict segregation between oxygen and other gas cylinders (such as nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide) are maintained.
Scheduled Refill and Replacement Programmes
Hospitals typically work with approved medical gas suppliers who provide a scheduled delivery and collection service. They deliver full oxygen cylinders and remove empties on a regular basis, sometimes daily in high-demand environments. The schedule is often flexible and can be adjusted according to demand spikes.
In larger hospitals, an internal protocol ensures that staff report empty cylinders promptly so replacements can be ordered before they are needed. Staff are trained to recognise pressure gauge readings and determine when a cylinder requires changing.
Emergency Backup and Contingency Planning
Hospitals keep a backup supply of oxygen cylinders that can be deployed immediately in case of unexpected surges in demand, cylinder delivery delays, or failure of central oxygen pipeline systems. These contingency stocks are stored in secure, accessible locations and are regularly checked for usability.
Contingency planning also includes alternative storage sites, mobile cylinder carts, and access to portable oxygen concentrators.
