Nitrous Oxide Poisoning - FOI Response Register

1. How many patients have been admitted for nitrous oxide poisoning / severe side effects in the past 5 years, with a breakdown showing the total for each year?

NHS Shetland uses the ICD 10 coding system. Figures provided are for the number of inpatients where one or more of the following ICD 10 codes: T41.0, X44, X64, Y14, Y48.0 were listed as Main Condition or Other Condition.

Where we have given <5 answers and given a range instead of a total, this is because NHS Shetland considers that providing more specific information carries a high risk of identifying individuals. As such and in accordance with FOISA s 16(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it holds the information requested but that it is exempt from disclosure under FOISA s 38(1)(b) as read with s 38 (2A) as the information constitutes personal data and disclosure would breach the confidentiality of the data subjects.

2. Could you provide me with a breakdown of age ranges of those admitted for nitrous oxide poisoning/severe side effects for each year? (i.e. 0-20, 20-40 etc)

Due to the already small numbers involved, no further breakdown is possible without a high risk of identifying individuals. As such and in accordance with FOISA s 16(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it holds the information requested but that it is exempt from disclosure under FOISA s 38(1)(b) as read with s 38 (2A) as the information constitutes personal data and disclosure would breach the confidentiality of the data subjects.

3. How many deaths have there been linked to taking nitrous oxide with a break down for each year and an overall total for the 5 years?

Nil