More than 100 maternity staff sue NHS over gas exposure
Summary
More than 100 maternity staff at Basildon Hospital in Essex are suing the NHS trust after being exposed to high levels of nitrous oxide, a gas used for pain relief during childbirth. The staff reported health problems like fatigue and headaches, and the hospital trust admitted it delayed acting on the issue.Key Facts
- The staff suing include midwives and healthcare assistants who worked at Basildon Hospital from 2018 to 2023.
- They were exposed to nitrous oxide levels up to 30 times above the legal workplace limit.
- Symptoms reported include fatigue, anxiety, headaches, brain fog, low vitamin B12, and pain in hands and feet.
- The hospital trust has paid £89,000 in settlements related to these claims so far.
- The gas, called Entonox, is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen used for pain relief during labor.
- Exposure happens through exhaled gas, leaks, and opening gas canisters in poorly ventilated areas.
- The trust admitted in 2024 that it took too long to respond and fix the problem.
- New equipment has been installed to remove nitrous oxide from the air at the hospital.
- About 141 claims have been filed, and the court case will continue in July.
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