(Reuters) - UK defence and space technology firm TP Group (L:TPG) hopes to produce a new on-site oxygen production system for hospitals in the second half of this year, accelerating an existing programme based on submarine technology to provide gas used for the treatment of COVID-19, the company said on Thursday.
The programme was initiated at the end of last year and has been accelerated to meet emerging needs, as the COVID-19 outbreak draws attention to the availability of oxygen for critical care, particularly under peak load, the company said. (https://reut.rs/3es33wv)
The programme is currently funded from TP Group's existing resources and will last a further three months.
British hospitals are facing a surge in their needs for oxygen to treat the worst cases of the disease, which attacks the lungs and leaves patients struggling to breath on their own.