High levels of Nitrous Oxide found in Basildon Hospital

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Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is commonly used as the ‘gas and air’ pain relief measure for birthing mothers in and during labour.

In October of 2022, Staff were told by the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust that they have been working with “high nitrous oxide levels” in the maternity ward for the past year at Basildon Hospital.

Nitrous Oxide found

The finding had been covered during an inspection last year, but staff working at the Basildon Hospital have only just been informed of this. Staff have been told by their seniors that there “had not been proper oversight” into the issue in question.

The Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust have issued and sent a memo to all its staff members apologising for not informing them earlier of these findings, and explained that over exposure to nitrous oxide can lead to health issues such as anaemia (vitamin B12 deficiency) and infertility.

Anaemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells circulating in the body decreases and the symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness or light-headedness, chest pain and cold hands and feet.

The Trust further advised that the delivery ward was safe to use and immediate action had been taken to resolve the issues. Approval to buy a new ventilation system had been given and fans are used to circulate the air. The equipment had been ordered but there had been a delay in the installation.

Despite the increased levels of nitrous oxide levels in the air in the maternity ward of the hospital, the Trust states “It is perfectly safe for service users and their families to continue to use the maternity unit as normal. Advice and support are being offered to the staff members whilst the investigations continue”.

Staff members working in the delivery unit are angry and appalled with the way the Trust has handled the issue. They believe that the nitrous oxide levels are still “unsafe” and they are “still expected to work on the unit”.

The Trust says investigations are underway and they are also working with the UK Health Security Agency to ensure all appropriate action is taken, including (but not limited to) retesting and staff briefings.

If you feel that you have suffered any symptoms listed above, or have been exposed to high levels of nitrous oxide in and during the course of your employment, then you might be able to claim compensation.

If you feel your injuries have been caused as a result of your working practices and wish to enquire about a potential claim, please contact us.

Should you wish to consider further information relating to exposure to nitrous oxide, please refer to the following links:

https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/basildon-hospital-investigating-high-levels-7717839

Nitrous Oxide – Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/

High levels of Nitrous Oxide found in the maternity ward at Basildon Hospital

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is commonly used as the ‘gas and air’ pain relief measure for birthing mothers in and during labour.

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