London Midwife Removed from Register After Repeated Entonox Inhalation Incidents
A midwife based in London has been struck off the medical register following allegations that she repeatedly inhaled Entonox, a medical gas mixture, in vacant hospital rooms. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel determined that Olanike Toye engaged in this behaviour at two separate hospitals over a six-month span between 2022 and 2023, leading to her immediate erasure from the register.
Details of the Misconduct and Tribunal Findings
The panel, which convened in November and January, concluded that Ms Toye's actions constituted serious misconduct that undermined public trust in the midwifery profession. Despite her denials of using Entonox, the tribunal found her explanations to be inconsistent and lacking in detail. The panel emphasised that her behaviour raised fundamental questions about her professionalism, honesty, and integrity, posing potential risks to patient safety.
Specific Incidents at Lewisham and Chelsea Hospitals
According to witness testimony, Ms Toye was first caught inhaling Entonox at Lewisham Hospital on September 15, 2022. A colleague discovered her in an empty labour ward room with the door closed, using a mouthpiece attached to Entonox tubing. The witness reported that Ms Toye appeared startled and quickly discarded the tubing, leading to an internal report.
On September 28, 2022, another incident occurred at the same hospital, where a colleague heard the distinctive sound of Entonox use behind a closed door. Upon entering, they observed Ms Toye holding the tubing, appearing flustered and disoriented, and even losing her balance. Ms Toye apologised and claimed she was not the type to engage in such behaviour, but the panel dismissed her account as implausible.
Further allegations arose at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital between February 18 and 19, 2023. Two colleagues reported hearing Ms Toye using Entonox in a fervent manner from behind a closed door. When they entered, she was seen with the tubing and mouthpiece, attempting to conceal it hastily before stumbling out of the room. Ms Toye argued she was retrieving birthing balls, but the panel found this explanation questionable.
Panel's Rationale for Striking Off Decision
The NMC panel highlighted that Ms Toye's actions involved an element of planning, as she selected empty rooms, entered alone, and closed doors behind her. They noted that on both occasions when discovered, she appeared to be under the influence of Entonox, indicating dishonesty and a breach of professional standards. The panel stated that a striking-off order was necessary to protect patients, maintain public confidence, and uphold the integrity of the profession.
In response, Ms Toye mentioned that she had complied with practice conditions, returned to community work, and completed training on honest communication. However, the panel deemed her efforts to learn from mistakes as limited, reinforcing the decision for erasure. Ms Toye has 28 days to appeal the ruling, which marks a significant fall from grace in her medical career.
