In this section...

  1. Adult Community Services
  2. Children's services
  3. Carers corner
  4. Community mental health services
  5. Community response to COVID-19
  6. Expert Patient Programme
  7. Dementia and older people’s mental health
  8. Learning disability services
  9. Medication
  10. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
  11. Personalised care planning
  12. SilverCloud
  13. Spiritual and pastoral care
  14. Suicide Liaison Service
  15. Talking Therapies
  16. Transforming wound care
  17. Tuberculosis Service
  18. Useful information following a bereavement
  19. Video appointments
  20. Virtual wards
  21. Wheelchair Service
  22. Worried about someone's mental health?

COVID Oximetry at Home service

Oximetry at Home is a support service that we provide in partnership with GP practices and community teams across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are clinically at risk.

The service helps you to easily monitor the oxygen levels in your blood from home. 

You are provided with a small fingertip device (an oximeter), along with information about how to use it, so that you can spot low levels of oxygen in your blood and seek help and advice before you feel breathless. 

Patients who are eligible for this service are registered with a GP practice in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and have a diagnosis of COVID-19, have symptoms, are either aged 65 years or older or under 65 years and at higher risk from COVID-19. It is also available to those at increased risk based on the GP’s clinical judgement and individuals who are pregnant, have a learning disability or are unvaccinated.

Blood oxygen level is the most accurate way of keeping an eye on your progress with COVID-19 and if your symptoms are getting worse. The service will contact some people who have a positive test directly. If you receive a call, please accept the offer of being loaned an oximeter and their offer of support. You will also be provided with a patient pack which will be sent to your address.

This includes:

  • a pulse oximeter
  • information about how to use it, as well as a paper patient diary or a suitable app or other method for recording oxygen levels
  • contact details and information on how to report oximetry reading and symptoms
  • clear instructions, including when to get medical help both in and out-of-hours

Please make sure your contact details are up-to-date for you to receive the equipment that you need. You may be offered regular prompts and check-ins from the service to make sure you are confident using the device, taking readings and you, your carer, family member or another appropriate contact know what to do if your oxygen levels fall below normal.

If, after 14 days from the start of COVID-19 symptoms you show no signs of becoming more ill, you will be safely discharged from the service. LCD will arrange to collect the oximeter and provide information on how to continue supporting yourself at home.

To find out more details about how to access this service, please contact your GP practice.

How to apply for an oximeter

People will need to go via their GP or midwife.

Further information

Watch this video produced by the NHS on how to use a pulse oximeter and how to track results. Resources are also available for patients, carers and families section on the NHS England website.