120 Midwives Receive £750k Compensation After Nitrous Oxide Exposure

Over 120 midwives in Essex receive £750k payout after long-term exposure to nitrous oxide at work.

October 13, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Essex, United Kingdom — Over 120 midwives and maternity staff in Essex have received nearly £750,000 in compensation following prolonged exposure to high levels of nitrous oxide at Basildon University Hospital.

The compensation comes after an investigation revealed that the gas, commonly used for pain relief during labor, was present at up to 30 times the legal limit. The affected staff included more than 80 members of the Royal College of Midwives.

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Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is typically administered in controlled amounts, but long-term exposure can lead to health complications. The case has raised concerns about workplace safety standards in healthcare settings.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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