Legal Action Over Nitrous Oxide Exposure at Basildon Hospital
More than 100 maternity staff are pursuing legal action against the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust following exposure to what they describe as "hazardous" levels of nitrous oxide gas.
The group, comprising midwives and healthcare assistants, were employed at Basildon Hospital in Essex between 2018 and 2023.
Reported symptoms among the staff include fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and cognitive impairment often referred to as "brain fog."
The hospital trust has acknowledged that it "should have acted faster to address the issues."
Trust Settlements and Claims
The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has already disbursed £89,000 in settlements related to claims that staff were subjected to "excessive and foreseeably dangerous" concentrations of Entonox, commonly known as gas and air.
According to NHS records, a total of 141 claims have been submitted.
Entonox is a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen used as analgesia for women during childbirth. Without sufficient ventilation, nitrous oxide levels can accumulate rapidly in the air.
Sources and Risks of Nitrous Oxide Build-up
The claimants assert that nitrous oxide concentrations can escalate quickly in maternity units with inadequate ventilation. The gas is released into the atmosphere when birthing mothers exhale, from leaks in gas lines, and when nitrous oxide cannisters are opened and connected to medical equipment.
An internal hospital report revealed that maternity staff were exposed to nitrous oxide levels up to 30 times above the legal workplace exposure limit.
Staff Experiences and Reactions
One female staff member involved in the legal proceedings, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC that she and her colleagues felt they had been "poisoned."
"The way they were treated was a 'massive kick in the teeth' and it had caused widespread anger," she said.
"A lot of people were suffering from chronic fatigue, constant headaches, low vitamin B12, which was subsequently causing things like heart palpitations and very foggy heads," she added.
"They were seeking 'justice for the staff' who 'work tirelessly' to safely deliver babies," she continued.
"You've got people sitting in offices that need to be held accountable for their actions," she stated.
In another instance, a midwife reported collapsing at work due to symptoms including headaches, low mood, and anxiety.
Another claimant described experiencing pain in her hands and feet.
Additional symptoms cited in court filings include "excessive fatigue and irritability."
The women are pursuing compensation for personal injury exceeding £1,500 each.
Delayed Notification and Trust Response
A report reviewed by the BBC indicated that staff were not informed for 16 months about test results demonstrating that their exposure had surpassed safety limits.
In 2024, the trust conceded there had been "unacceptable delays in responding to and mitigating a serious risk."
Denise Townsend, the acting chief nursing officer for the trust, stated:
"Since the incident we have learnt lessons and part of this is that we have improved our oversight of the monitoring of medical gases across the maternity unit at Basildon Hospital."
The BBC understands that the trust has since installed equipment designed to remove nitrous oxide from the air.
Broader Impact and Upcoming Hearing
High nitrous oxide levels in maternity units have also affected other hospital trusts across England.
The case is scheduled for the next hearing in July.
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