Power NI is continuing to roll out its Brighter Communities initiative, with Oxygen Therapy Centre becoming the latest organisation to benefit from funding.

Larne-based Oxygen Therapy Centre secured £1,000 funding which was used to purchase new equipment for their oxygen chamber. The organisation has been operating since 1988 and offers clients High Dose Oxygen Therapy (HDOT) which can be used to relieve symptoms of many illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis and respiratory and circulatory diseases and is used to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries and wounds.

HDOT raises the levels of oxygen in the body's blood plasma which leads to higher amounts of oxygen being delivered to the body's tissues, organs and brain. The treatment consists of breathing in pure oxygen through a face mask, hood or mouthpiece whilst in a barochamber which is increased to a predefined pressure. By inhaling pure oxygen, clients can increase the concentration of oxygen in their blood, so that it's more efficiently delivered where it is needed most.

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The Oxygen Therapy Centre sees around 200 people attending each year and administers around 3,000 treatments per year.

Vickie Shaw, centre manager, said: "We're delighted to have been able to purchase this equipment thanks to Power NI's generous funding. The award has equipped us with the means to purchase new masks and hoses for users of the oxygen chamber to enjoy a comfortable experience whilst receiving HDOT.

"The goal of HDOT is to alleviate symptoms that come with certain illnesses and diseases to speed up the healing process of other illnesses, injuries and wounds. We are very thankful that Power NI has recognised the important service we provide to hundreds of people in the local area."

Ashleigh O'Neill from Power NI added: "The Oxygen Therapy Centre provide such an essential service for many and Power NI is proud to pay a part in enhancing the service they provide. HDOT creates better conditions for recovery for many illnesses and diseases and we’re very glad that our funding can go towards such a great cause."

The Brighter Communities funding was first established by Power NI in 2018 and has since helped numerous charities and groups including Special Olympics athletes, stroke recovery groups and wheelchair basketball players.