AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after staff at Basildon Hospital’s maternity ward were “overexposed” to nitrous oxide.

Outraged staff allege hospital bosses had been aware of high levels nitrous oxide in the ward for more than year but only revealed the extent of the problem to staff on Friday.

Here is everything we know so far about the issue:

  • Nitrous Oxide – namely Entonox – has been recorded at “dangerously” high levels on the ward.
  • Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE), which runs the hospital, has confirmed it is aware of the issue and has launched an investigation.
  • The Trust insists the ward remains safe for patients.
  • Hospital bosses say the problem can be manage by opening windows and keeping good ventilation – staff disagree and say it is unsafe for long periods of exposure.
  • Hospital management have been aware of the report for about 18 months, following an internal 2021 report.
  • Staff only learnt of the issue on Friday, October 14.
  • Staff are preparing legal action against the trust.
  • Three filtration machines have been moved onto the ward.
  • Long term overexposure to nitrous can lead to infertility, according the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.