A LARGE cylinder of liquid oxygen which was temporarily based at the University Hospital of North Tees is on its way back ‘home’ to the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The 500 litre liquid oxygen cylinder was relocated to Stockton in April in readiness to support patients requiring increased oxygen while being treated with Covid-19.

Working with supplier BOC, the University Hospital of North Tees’ internal oxygen supply has been improved and is now capable of supporting a large number of patients requiring medical oxygen.

The cylinder will be lifted from its temporary position by crane and transported back to the University Hospital of Hartlepool by a specialist crew who will also oversee its reinstallation.

Deepak Dwarakanath, medical director of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The upgrades to North Tees’ medical oxygen supply means we no longer need the additional tank from Hartlepool.

“While we currently have very few cases of Covid-19 in the Trust, we still must ask everyone to continue to practice physical distancing, wear a mask when required and wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.

“Covid-19 remains a threat and we all need to do our bit to minimise its impact.”