New Starter

On a Tuesday, as I may or may not have mentioned before, the 11am slot is usually reserved for people new to Oxygen Treatment, or New Starters as they're often referred as. These sessions are obviously handled slightly differently than a normal session. The newcomer, who will have already been introduced to the Centre and given a lot of information both verbally and to read, will arrive early and have everything explained to them again. We have Paul M, a very experienced ex- Senior Oxygen Operator who very kindly comes in specially, and explains all and answers any questions people may have. He will also go into the Chamber with the new person(s) to reassure them and answer further questions or just to chat with them. Paul will explain the proper use of masks and how to connect them, how to clear ear pain, what to do in an emergency, etc... Of course, the No. 1 and No. 2 Operators can chip in too, as they are obviously on hand, and if a carer wishes to (as happened today) they can sit at the O2 desk with the Operators and watch on the monitor. It is usual practice to pressurize a little slower than normal for new people, and I also like to speak to them every 15 minutes, to let them know how things are progressing time-wise. Today's session, and the following regular dive, went very well.

It was quite busy at the Centre today, lots of people coming and going and milling about. There was a fund-raising meeting going on too, and as was leaving after my sessions the Art Group were arriving. They run every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm - the group is run by Margaret who also volunteers Wednesday afternoons on Reception. I had to telephone the BOC people about coming to top-up our Oxygen, as it is getting a bit low. There are two tanks and one is on about 60% full, but the other was only on about 18% full. I have been assured that even if one runs out, operations can continue as normal with only one tank. I had to leave a message on BOC's answer-phone, so I hope they come and top us up soon.

Back in tomorrow....

Rod