A patient waiting for a lung transplant became a 'prisoner in own home' for nearly two months due to problems with oxygen supplies.
Qamar Sardar, of Fusiliers Way, Hounslow West, is pleased the NHS and its contractor are finally addressing the issue after being contacted by the Chronicle but angry it has taken so long.
He said: "I wasn't able to go out last weekend because I didn't have enough oxygen. I'm happy with what's being done now but it should never have taken this long."
The 33-year-old estate agent was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis two years ago. His lungs are only working at 28 per cent of their full capacity and he can only walk a short distance without concentrated oxygen before getting out of breath.
He is on the waiting list for a new lung but in the meantime has been relying on oxygen cylinders and an oxygen concentrator machine, provided by Air Liquide (Homecare), to help him breathe.
He was convinced the machine was not working properly because it only lasted about two-and-a-half hours, compared with the seven hours stated in the manual. After complaining about the device, and the shortage of portable oxygen cylinders, for seven weeks without any action he contacted the paper in frustration.
Air Liquide (Homecare) subsequently visited Mr Sardar's home with an NHS healthcare professional and found the device was working properly but was not the most appropriate for his needs.
It has now arranged with the NHS for Mr Sardar to get a new liquid oxygen device, which should allow him to lead a more active life.
The company admits the problem should have been addressed sooner but says it had exchanged the 'faulty' device twice and believed the issue had been fixed.
It says the issue has highlighted a need for better communications between itself and the NHS, which assesses patients and tells Air Liquide (Homecare) what supplies to provide.
"We are sorry it has taken some time to identify the underlying source of Mr Sardar's frustration with his transportable concentrator," it added.
