Midwives win £750,000 after being exposed to nitrous oxide at hospital
The compound, known as laughing gas, is used for pain relief in labour, but long-term exposure has side-effects.
TL;DR
- Over 120 midwives and maternity staff received nearly £750,000 in compensation.
- Exposure to high levels of nitrous oxide occurred due to poor ventilation and leaking gas lines at Basildon University Hospital.
- Staff experienced symptoms like fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and anxiety.
- The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) initiated legal action on behalf of the affected workers.
- An independent review highlighted 'unacceptable delay' by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust in addressing the risks.
- Safety measures were implemented over a year after initial concerns were raised.
- The RCM stressed that the settlement concerns working conditions, not the safety of nitrous oxide for patients.
- The trust has apologized, acknowledged the delay, and improved oversight of medical gas monitoring.