Lakeridge offers drive-thru oxygen service

OSHAWA, Ont. – Patients receiving home oxygen therapy through Lakeridge Health’s Community Respiratory Services (CRS) will be able to pick up their oxygen and supplies in a drive-thru for the first time ever at the clinic’s new location. The excitement from the earliest clients is palpable, as the strain of walking and carrying equipment is significant when you are struggling for breath. Now CRS staff can exchange equipment quickly and review any care-related items without the client ever having to leave their car.

Miranda Oppers, Manager for the CRS and Business Development, says this change came about after one of the CRS staff members noticed the empty drive-thru space for rent shortly following a discussion around the hospital’s focus on ‘Patient Experience’.

As far as she can tell, this is the only service of its kind being offered to oxygen patients anywhere. This ‘Express Oxygen Pick-Up’ service is available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, but even if the drive-thru is closed the front office is open until 6 pm Mondays through Thursdays and 8 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday.

While home delivery remains the primary method of oxygen equipment delivery for patients, the drive through offers greater flexibility and convenience for those stopping by for pick-up service. CRS also continues to provide all of the same oxygen and CPAP services at the new location, including 24/7 emergency oxygen service.

The new office and drive-thru are located at 1414 King Street East, Unit 33, in Oshawa, Ontario. The CRS team can be reached at (905) 721-4800.

About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals, serving people across Durham Region and beyond. With five hospital sites and four Emergency Rooms, our team includes nearly 5,000 doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals on staff, as well as over 1,500 volunteers. Lakeridge Health cares for more than 1,600 people every day, and the CRS, which falls under the Business Development Program led by Director Len Kleine, is one of over a dozen clinic sites in the network.