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Changing Cold and Flu Season, Changing Demands

Medical gas supply is a year-round necessity, but certain times of the year place extra pressure on logistics and storage. During the winter months, cold and flu season brings a sharp increase in respiratory illness, pushing up demand for oxygen gas in particular. Hospitals and clinics often need higher volumes delivered at shorter notice, and suppliers must work closely with facilities to avoid disruptions. In contrast, summer heatwaves can increase cases of dehydration and cardiac strain, creating spikes in admissions that also affect gas usage patterns.

As seasonal pressures shift, healthcare providers rely on flexible and responsive support to keep their operations running safely. Winter viruses continue to strain hospital resources, contributing to higher bed occupancy and increased demand for critical medical supplies like oxygen. Temperature extremes, longer patient stays and unpredictable emergencies all influence how much gas is needed—and when. That’s why a well-structured supply plan must anticipate these cycles to maintain continuity in patient care.

Key Factors Affected by Seasonal Changes

Medical gas logistics is far more than transporting cylinders or refilling storage—it’s about ensuring systems are prepared for the variables each season brings. Some of the most critical factors affected include:

  • Supply Volume Adjustments – Gas suppliers must adapt output to match seasonal spikes in usage, especially for oxygen and nitrous oxide.
  • Storage Management – Facilities may need to expand temporary storage or manage cylinder turnover more efficiently during high-demand periods.
  • Delivery Schedules – Increased frequency or out-of-hours delivery options may be necessary to ensure continuity of care.
  • Emergency Planning – Backup systems and emergency gas reserves must be reviewed ahead of winter and summer peaks.
  • Workforce Readiness – Estates teams must be equipped and trained to handle higher usage and faster turnaround times during seasonal strain.

These factors all demand a proactive approach from both gas suppliers and healthcare providers, ensuring systems are prepared to absorb seasonal stress without compromising patient safety.

Supporting Healthcare Facilities Year-Round

At Midland Medical Services, we understand that seasonal changes don’t just influence patient volume—they transform how facilities use and manage their medical gas systems. That’s why we offer a flexible, responsive logistics model designed to keep up with demand. From tailored oxygen gas supply plans to temperature-controlled storage and timely emergency delivery options, our team works behind the scenes to support safe and efficient care.

We help healthcare teams prepare for every season by reviewing historical usage patterns, stress-testing backup systems and ensuring gas cylinder turnover is optimised for efficiency. With decades of experience and full compliance with HTM 02-01 standards, our approach is built around reliability, adaptability and complete peace of mind.

Get in touch to see how we can support your facility with seasonal gas logistics that respond to real clinical pressures.