Getting started with NIV
If you are renting a BiPAP machine that has been prescribed for use at home, you will also receive a comprehensive support service. This support is available to both Medical Card and non-Medical Card patients (non-Medical Card holders can reclaim rental expenses via the HSE Drugs Payment Scheme - DPS).
The monthly rental fee includes the following:
1. Initial installation: set up, delivery and training
- Following a written request or prescription from your consultant, we will deliver and set up your BiPAP device either at your home or in the hospital.
- We endeavour to arrange an installation appointment within one working day (Monday – Friday) of receiving this request or BiPAP prescription.
- Full BiPAP operating instructions and mask fitting will be provided by a trained engineer at your home or in hospital.
- You will be given full written instructions including user manuals, literature, safety information and contact phone numbers.
- The BiPAP device will be supplied with a carry case and all the consumables you need.
- If requested by your consultant, we will revisit you to alter pressure settings and refit an alternative mask.
2. Consumables and services supplied annually free of charge for rental patients
[terms correct, may be subject to change]
- All your BiPAP equipment will be checked once a year by one of our trained engineers either by appointment at your home or at a venue in your area on one of our regional service days.
- We will provide you with the following BiPAP consumables during each 12-month rental period:
- 1 reusable Respironics mask and headgear Set . (your consultant will recommend the most suitable type of mask for you, ie nasal or full face)
- All the consumables (filters, tubing) you need
- 2 x heated humidification chambers (if you have been prescribed humidification)
* Where recommended by your consultant. If necessary we will supply an alternative type or make of mask (please note there may be an extra charge for this).
Note
If you live in Northern Ireland and your local Trust or hospital rents your NIV equipment on your behalf, please contact our Homecare Helpline for therapy support services. If your NIV equipment has been purchased by the NHS, please contact your prescribing hospital for therapy support services.
3. Back-up service
You will receive the following back-up support for your NIV equipment:
- Access to our Homecare Helpline on LoCall 1850 240202 (ROI only) or Freephone 0800 3285875 (NI only), 8.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday.
- An urgent on-call service, available 24 hours a day/365 days a year. Please only use this service out of normal working hours if you have an urgent problem.
- Whenever possible we will respond to after-hours telephone calls within two hours. Please ensure you leave all the information requested (full name and full contact phone number). If your NIV equipment needs to be replaced, an engineer will visit you within eight (8) hours or sooner from the time the need is identified.
- In the case of broken consumables, replacements will be sent by courier/post the next working day, unless they are needed urgently, in which case they will be delivered to you as soon as possible.
4. Payment of rental
The monthly rental fee covers BiPAP equipment rental, parts and services.
- Access to our Homecare Helpline on LoCall 1850 240202 (ROI only) or Freephone 0800 3285875 (NI only), 8.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday.
- An urgent on-call service, available 24 hours a day/365 days a year. Please only use this service out of normal working hours if you have an urgent problem.
- Whenever possible we will respond to after-hours telephone calls within two hours. Please ensure you leave all the information requested (full name and full contact phone number). If your NIV equipment needs to be replaced, an engineer will visit you within eight (8) hours or sooner from the time the need is identified.
- In the case of broken consumables, replacements will be sent by courier/post the next working day, unless they are needed urgently, in which case they will be delivered to you as soon as possible.
Note
The BiPAP equipment remains the property of Air Products Ltd at all times.
