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 of Entonox – nitrous oxide used as pain relief during labour – in the ward for 18 months but only revealed the extent of the problem to staff on Friday.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE), which runs the hospital, confirmed it was aware of the issue, but insisted it was safe for patients adding it had taken “immediate action” and launched an investigation.

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“The management team have been aware of this for over a year and have taken no measures to make staff aware, reduce levels and to make this a safe environment for patients and staff to work in,” one midwife told the Echo.

“As a member of staff, we are still expected to work in this unsafe environment, breaching multiple health and safety rules and have been advised the answer to this is to open the doors and windows where Entonox is used.”

Hospital bosses say they are working with the Government’s UK Health Security Agency and taken immediate action to ventilate the area, “including ensuring windows and doors are opened, and fans are used to circulate the air”.   

MSE says staff have been briefed to ensure they “fully informed and supported”.

However, one student midwife, who wished to remain anonymous, says staff feel let down by the trust.

“As far as we know, the levels in the maternity wards have been outrageously high for over a year, but we have just been told about this,” they said.

“The senior staff members are trying to keep this issue under wraps, when in reality the public should know.”

Another staff member labelled it a “scandal” adding: “Management are covering this up and minimising this.”

Long term overexposure to nitrous can lead to infertility, according the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A spokesperson for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are aware that there was an issue with levels of nitrous oxide – the gas used by women to help with pain relief during labour – in the air at our maternity unit at Basildon Hospital.

“It is perfectly safe for service users and their families to continue to use the maternity unit as normal. We have taken immediate action to resolve the situation and an investigation is underway. 

“Support and advice is being offered to our staff while investigations continue.”