Gas and air to be re-introduced at Peterborough City Hospital
The Trust discontinued the pain relief in February last year
Last updated 19th Jan 2024
Women in labour at Hinchingbrooke and Peterborough City Hospital are being offered gas and air again after nearly a year since it was withdrawn.
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, withdrew the pain relief in February 2023 over safety concerns.
Entonox (gas and air) is made up of a combination of half nitrous oxide and half oxygen, however there were concerns that staff were being exposed to dangerously high levels of nitrous oxide due to poor ventilation.
In a statement, the Trust said they have introduced 'mobile Scavenger Units to the delivery suit which extract Entonox (gas and air) after it is exhaled', which allows staff to stay within safe environmental levels.
The Trust said it has been an 'an anxious and unsettling time for our staff, women and birthing people'.
It added: "We would like to say a huge thank you for your continued patience while we worked on safely reintroducing gas and air to our maternity units.
"The experience of our women and birthing people, and the safety of our staff remains our priority."