Newborn dies after being given nitrous oxide

Skinner said the oxygen outlet in one of the hospital’s theatres was incorrectly installed with nitrous oxide, rather than oxygen.

The error was discovered last Thursday after a paediatrician raised concerns about the baby’s death.

‘‘I am profoundly sorry for the families of a newborn who died and another newborn who was severely affected,’’ Skinner said.

‘‘I deeply regret these families have suffered through such a devastating error. NSW Health will do all it can to support them.’’

NSW Health officials told Ghanem and her husband, Youssef, of the fatal error 10 days after their baby’s death.

Ghanem was in labour for several hours before doctors told her she needed to undergo an emergency caesarean. She was put under general anaesthetic. When she awoke, she was told by a nurse her baby son had died.

The baby’s death has been referred to the coroner.

All eight operating theatres at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital had been checked and no other outlets were found to be faulty, Skinner said.

The outlet responsible had been fixed, but the theatre remained closed.

Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital confirmed that no other baby received gas from the affected outlet.

Skinner said the Government had contacted BOC ‘‘demanding urgent advice’’ on how the incorrect installation had occurred.

BOC expressed ‘‘profound sorrow’’ for the families affected by the ‘‘devastating tragedy’’.