24/7 oxygen dependent patient requires cylinder

We are in so much of distress. I placed an order for a cylinder on the 6th of March. My dad has IPF - a terminating lung condition, and is confined to bed and dependent on oxygen 24/7.

It is the 10th of March and we still haven’t received a cylinder. I know that due to load shedding we are advised to take patients to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, if we had to move my dad every time we had load shedding, this would cause more harm than good. With every movement he makes, his breathing is impacted and he’s left out of breath.

He is currently on a 10l oxygen concentrator and still struggles for breath if he makes a simple turn in bed. That would tell you of the severity of his condition. We were told that he would be placed as priority but it’s been 5 days now and still no cylinder. I even asked for half a cylinder. Or if I could fetch one. Anything to help during load shedding.

Please can somebody assist me. It is terrifying to think of the consequences.