More than 100 maternity staff are taking legal action against a hospital trust due to exposure to nitrous oxide. Two years ago, an independent review revealed that the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust did not handle concerns about dangerous gas levels promptly at Basildon University Hospital’s maternity unit. The review, conducted by the Good Governance Institute, determined that staff faced unnecessary risks. Despite high gas levels being flagged as a health risk in July 2021, no action was taken until October 2022. The trust claimed to be addressing the review’s findings.
Recently, staff who worked at Basildon Hospital between 2018 and 2023, including midwives and healthcare assistants, are now seeking legal recourse. They reported experiencing symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and cognitive issues. Some claims related to this issue have been settled, totaling over £89,000. A total of 141 claims have been submitted to NHS Resolution.
Nitrous oxide and oxygen mixtures, commonly known as “gas and air,” are typically safe for pain management during labor according to the NHS. However, prolonged exposure to high levels in the workplace can lead to severe health issues, as noted by the Health and Safety Executive. The trust’s acting chief nursing officer, Denise Townsend, expressed regret over the delayed response to the issue and highlighted improvements made in monitoring medical gases.
The trust has implemented scavenger equipment to remove nitrous oxide from the air. Several other NHS trusts have also faced concerns over elevated nitrous oxide levels.