PATIENTS who need oxygen support will receive a better service after "fragmented" arrangements were brought under one roof, a health expert said today.

People who need oxygen support to help them breathe will now get lighter canisters and portable oxygen systems under the new arrangements.

Air Products Medical took over the service this month and now provides all oxygen supplies, replacing the previous service where equipment was given out by hospitals, GP and chemists. Lindsay Holden, prescribing adviser for Blackburn with Darwen NHS Primary Care Trust, said that was "fragmented" and the new service would give patients "expertise to help make decisions on the best service to meet individual needs".

Oxygen support is essential for people with long-term medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition which causes breathing difficulties.

He said: "The new arrangements also mean that patients no longer have to obtain repeat prescriptions and instead can simply call a dedicated 24-hour help line to order more oxygen."

For more information call 0800 373580.

Any canisters obtained from pharmacies should be returned.