Brief
Midwives receive £750,000 settlement over nitrous‑oxide exposure at Basildon Hospital
The settlement follows a legal claim that the trust delayed safety measures despite warnings in 2021.
By Felo News Desk · Published
More than 120 midwives and maternity workers have been awarded almost £750,000 in compensation after being exposed to high levels of nitrous oxide at Basildon University Hospital between 2021 and 2023, according to the Independent.
What happened
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said poor ventilation and leaking gas lines allowed nitrous oxide – commonly used for labour pain relief – to reach dangerous concentrations on the maternity ward. Staff reported fatigue, headaches, brain fog and anxiety. An independent review by the Good Governance Institute found the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust delayed responding to concerns raised in July 2021 until October 2022, classifying the risk as “unacceptable”.
What the reports add
The Independent noted that Thompsons Solicitors, representing the workers and the RCM, secured the settlement on behalf of roughly 80 RCM members and other staff. The review highlighted that the trust knew of the danger in 2021 but did not inform staff until the following year, and safety measures were only introduced a further year later.
What was said
Daniel Poet, partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “We’re proud to have secured compensation for our clients, but they should never have been put at risk in the first place. The trust knew about the dangers in 2021, but staff weren’t told until the following year and it took another year for safety measures to be introduced. That delay is unacceptable.”
Gill Walton, chief executive and general secretary of the RCM, called the settlement a “landmark” and warned that “no midwife should ever be treated that way”, adding that it should compel NHS employers to prioritise health and safety.
How it came about
The legal action stemmed from the RCM’s complaints about ventilation and gas leaks, which were initially raised in July 2021. The Good Governance Institute’s review, commissioned two years ago, confirmed the trust’s delayed response. The settlement follows years of advocacy by the RCM and legal representation by Thompsons Solicitors.
Key facts
- Compensation of almost £750,000 was awarded to over 120 midwives and maternity staff. (independent.co.uk)
- Exposure occurred at Basildon University Hospital between 2021 and 2023. (independent.co.uk)
- The Good Governance Institute found the trust delayed action on concerns raised in July 2021 until October 2022. (independent.co.uk)
- Thompsons Solicitors represented the claimants, including about 80 RCM members. (independent.co.uk)
- Gill Walton of the RCM called the settlement a landmark and urged NHS employers to improve safety. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Midwives awarded £750k in compensation for dangerous exposure to nitrous oxide”
