Nitric Oxide cylinder reported missing by Whangarei Hospital

A warning has been issued today that a gas cylinder supplied by BOC Gases Ltd has been reported missing by Whangarei Hospital.  The missing cylinder contains Nitric Oxide, which if not administered by a Medical Practitioner can cause serious injury or fatality

Nitric Oxide should not be confused with Nitrous Oxide, a general anaesthetic commonly known as laughing gas.

The cylinder was delivered to the hospital on 20 May 2009.  It was only after the hospital's intensive care unit requested the gas from the hospitals stores on 17 June 2009 was it realised that the cylinder was missing.  The item was not receipted and two days of internal investigations within the hospital have failed to locate the cylinder.

The cylinder is described by BOC as having a green gray body colour with black and yellow quadrants at the top of the cylinder.

Anyone with information related to this missing cylinder should immediately call Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or contact the hospital duty manager on 09 430 4100. 

Questions:

What is Nitric Oxide used for?

It is used in certain life saving applications under strict regulation by the authorities. 

What is Nitrous Oxide used for?

This is the gas that is used by dentists for light anaesthetic and is often known as laughing gas.  It can also be used as an aerosol propellant.



Ends.

For further information contact:

Fleur King
Public Relations Manager
Northland District Health Board
Phone: 09-470 0000 extn 3315