TDHB calling for return of hundreds of Oximeters

3 May 2022

Hundreds of oximeters that have been loaned to Covid patients to help them monitor and measure their blood oxygen level and pulse rate haven’t been returned and are needed for new Covid patients.

The devices that clip on the end of a patient’s finger cost the DHB around $90 each and are very important for monitoring people who are at risk of developing breathing difficulties, says Cathy Taylor, Taranaki District Health Board’s Covid Care in the Community Manager.

“Using an oximeter to monitor people ensures they can get the correct clinical care early, and may help to avoid somebody going to hospital as we can treat them and monitor them at home,” explains Taylor.

“Getting them back is really important because we our stocks are getting low and we want them to be available to other at risk Covid patients rather than having to spend valuable health dollars on buying more.”

Once a Covid-patient has recovered the oximeters are no longer required and can be dropped off to their local GP or the centres listed below or by calling 0508 436 374.