Hospital recorded 50 times birth gas safety limit

An investigation has found that nitrous oxide levels on Watford General Hospital’s maternity suite far exceeded legal limits during peak periods.

In February 2022, air monitoring showed levels of nearly 5,000 parts per million, 50 times over the safe limit.

It was one of a number of nitrous oxide incidents reported by NHS trusts to the Health and Safety Executive. There were 11 notifications to the HSE between August 2018 and December 2022 from seven NHS trusts and one private hospital in relation to nitrous oxide, almost all relating to maternity units.

NHS chiefs acknowledge there is “limited research on the occupational exposure to Entonox, and the long-term health risks this may pose”, though at least one expert has played down the risk.

Tracey Carter, chief nurse of West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals, said “The infrastructure of our estate means we cannot put a mechanical ventilation system in place, but we have installed machines which effectively remove waste anaesthetic gas from delivery rooms to ensure safety for patients and staff.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record.  The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence.  He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims.  Tony also acts as a Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled.  Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk.  Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win, no fee solicitors for free legal advice on Freephone 0800 304 7382