Maternity gas and air: Your questions answered
What is Entonox (gas and air)?
Entonox (gas and air) is a colourless, odourless gas that is usually made up of half nitrous oxide and half oxygen. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled gas used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anaesthesia. Common uses include during childbirth, following trauma, and as part of end-of-life care. Onset of effect is typically within half a minute, and the effect lasts for about a minute.
Why have you made the decision to temporarily suspend the use of Entonox (gas and air)?
In light of concerns raised at other NHS hospitals, we have undertaken thorough testing of the atmosphere in our maternity unit with regard to nitrous oxide levels arising from the patient use of Entonox (gas and air). After finding high levels of residual gas and air in the atmosphere, we have made this decision to protect our midwifery and medical team, who are likely to be exposed to high levels of Entonox for a prolonged period of time.
What is the risk to hospital staff?
Entonox (gas and air) is used frequently in maternity wards to provide pain relief during labour. There is limited research on the occupational exposure to Entonox, and the long-term health risks this may pose. We are supporting our people together with our staff health and wellbeing (SHaW) team.
What is the risk to women, birthing people and their visitors?
None. The exposure is relatively short-term and its effects pass quickly.
What other pain relief is available?
There are a full range of other pain relief options that our team are discussing with women and pregnant people on an individual basis.
These include using birthing pools massage and birthing balls. We can offer advice on hypnobirthing, and we provide a relaxed, calm environment in the Birth Centre and Labour Ward. We also have TENS machines that are available for the earlier stages of labour.
Additionally, there are medications including paracetamol, codeine, morphine, pethidine, epidurals (which are available throughout labour) and local anaesthetic. Please speak to our team for more information.
If I would like to continue to have gas and air, what options do I have?
We will discuss with you on a case by case basis the possibility of you being transferred to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where gas and air is available. We can also discuss options for you to give birth at a hospital closer to you if relevant.
Can I continue to have gas and air during a home birth?
Our home birth service remains able to provide gas and air to women and people at their homes.
Are you providing extra anaesthetists to give epidurals as an alternative to gas and air?
Yes – Labour Ward and obstetric anaesthetics is a priority and we have the staff and medication required to provide epidurals to women and people who choose this option.
How will it be decided who can use gas and air when it is available?
The units we have purchased are mobile and can be transported between rooms. We will have various rooms where gas and air will be available throughout the Maternity Unit for everyone who wishes to use it. We are anticipating that they will be delivered soon.
Is the Birth Centre currently open?
Yes – this service is available for women and birthing people.
When will the wireless monitors be available so that people who need continuous monitoring of their babies can use the birthing pools
There is a national concern about the use of the wireless monitors and we are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Other options for monitoring are available.
What are your next steps?
We have plans to install additional safety equipment to allow us to resume the use of gas and air as soon as possible. We are expecting the delivery and installation of mobile units to provide gas and air soon – we will keep you updated.
How can the Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) help?
We work collaboratively with the Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) and Chloe and Verity are here to support you – you can contact them at mvpwestessex@gmail.com
Please contact our maternity helpline on 07932 524480 if you would like to discuss any questions or queries about gas and air with the maternity team, or you can contact your midwife, whose details are on the front of your antenatal pack.