Gas and air has been reinstated on the maternity wards at Ipswich Hospital, almost two months after it was initially suspended.
The use of nitrous oxide was suspended with immediate efffect at Ipswich Hospital on Tuesday, December 6.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which manages the hospital, confirmed on Friday it had been reintroduced for new mothers – 59 days after its suspension.
Dr Giles Thorpe, chief nurse at ESNEFT, said: "Firstly and most importantly, thank you to everyone for their support and patience which has been much appreciated.
"We are very pleased that we are now able to safely offer nitrous oxide again to women and pregnant people having suspended its use while we put in new ventilation units in all of our delivery suites and rooms at Ipswich Hospital."
The suspension was initially put in place after levels of nitrous oxide in ESNEFT's maternity services were tested following concerns about high levels at Basildon Hospital.
A specialist testing company checked the Ipswich birthing rooms and found that there were some areas "above the 'safe' levels identified in national guidance."
An immediate order was placed for 13 mobile units known as scavengers to remove any excess nitrous oxide in the air, with an estimated timeline of five to seven days given.
However, while they did receive the units within this period, they were unfortunately found to be unsuitable for their maternity wards.
On Sunday, December 22, the hospital said it would now be sourcing a different kind of mobile ventilation unit, but could not give an update on the delivery timeframe.
Several mothers who gave birth during this time said they felt panicked and left in the dark, with some adding that they only found out about the suspension after they had already been induced.
Almost two months later, the gas and air has now been reinstated on the Ipswich Hospital maternity wards.
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