- More than 100 maternity staff are taking legal action against Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
- The staff, including midwives and healthcare assistants, were exposed to dangerous levels of nitrous oxide at Basildon University Hospital between 2018 and 2023.
- An independent review found the trust "failed to act with candour" and had an "unacceptable delay" in responding to concerns about the gas levels, which were first raised in July 2021.
- Staff reported suffering symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and "brain fog" due to the exposure.
- The trust's chief executive has apologised for the delay, stating that robust systems are now in place to ensure safe nitrous oxide levels.
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