Oxygen Chamber Operators

The Sussex MS Centre is a small, inclusive, self-help, independently funded Centre supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis. We offer drug free therapies such as Oxygen Therapy, Acupuncture, Massage and Shiatsu, and exercise classes including Keep Fit, Pilates and Yoga. Our aims are to maintain flexibility, mobility, and provide pain relief promoting well-being and a positive attitude for those with MS.

The oxygen in the air we breathe is constantly treating the day-to-day damage we sustain - repairing and renewing our cells. When tissues are damaged the capillaries they contain are also damaged. This reduces the flow of blood that transports oxygen, which may limit or even prevent recovery. Members breathe oxygen through a mask or hood, whilst the pressure on the inside of the chamber is increased.

We are looking for people who would be happy to train up as a Volunteer Oxygen Chamber Operator to take on a weekly shift or in a cover pool. Generally a shift is about 3.5/4 hrs.

Skills

You do not need to have any specific experience as you will receive full training.

This is a real people to person volunteer role; you’ll be able to put people at ease who may be experiencing Oxygen Therapy for the first time as well as have a general calming and friendly nature.

Your job is to help members into the chamber and ensure they are sitting comfortably and ready for their session; to maintain cleanliness and switch pipes for each person between sessions; to operate and observe the desk controls; to ensure the Health and Safety of those in the chamber and to be able to act in an emergency evacuation. Morning shifts consist of 2 Oxygen Therapy sessions and afternoon shifts usually have 2 or 3 Oxygen Therapy sessions. A session inside the chamber lasts approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. You will also look after members taking ambient oxygen outside the chamber (we have 2 stations).

The oxygen chamber is a low risk environment but does need monitoring carefully.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work and be a part of the MS Centre and gain social interaction (of which there is a lot, being a very friendly centre!) strengthening your ties to the local community.
  
• A chance to give back and feel you are able to really make a difference to the lives of those with MS within the Sussex region.
• Volunteering and helping others can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.

Practical Considerations

Travelling by car

Having travelled down the Old Shoreham Road (A270) or the coast Road (A259) and reached Southwick, there is a sign to the MS Centre on the corner of Croft Avenue just off Southwick Road. Drive along Croft Avenue and at the end turn left into the park (Southwick Recreation Ground).  Follow the road, turning right past the bowls club and keep going to the carpark at the very end on your left and you will see the centre.

 Travelling by bus

There are a number of buses that stop near the Centre including the 60, 46 and 700.  For real time information on buses stopping near the Centre visit https://www.buses.co.uk/plan-your-journey to look at Brighton and Hove Buses. The 700 bus is operated by Stagecoach and covers the Brighton-Worthing-Littlehampton area. Once you have arrived you need to make your way to Croft Avenue.  There is a sign to the MS Centre on the corner of the avenue, just off Southwick Road. Go to the end of Croft Avenue and turn left into the park (Southwick Recreation Ground).  Follow the road, turning right past the bowls club and keep going to the car-park at the very end on your left and you will see the centre.

Travelling by rail

We are a 7 minute walk from Southwick rail station. You can check the times of trains on the Southern Railway website. Once you have arrived you need to turn left out of the station to make your way to Croft Avenue.  There is a sign to the MS Centre on the corner of the avenue, just off Southwick Road. Go to the end of Croft Avenue and a turn left into the park (Southwick Recreation Ground).  Follow the road, turning right past the bowls club and keep going to the car-park at the very end on your left and you will see the centre.

Taxis

Brighton and Hove Council provide information on wheelchair accessible taxis in their area. For information on wheelchair accessible transport (taxis, Dial-a-Ride etc) in the Adur area please visit the Adur and Worthing Councils website.

When do I need to be available?

Details	We would like to recruit a volunteer to do the Tuesday morning shift weekly. Apart from this, we are seeking people who are flexible that could be in a cover pool for shifts - for absence and holidays of regular operators.

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Where does this role take place?

Register your Interest