Doctor admits to inhaling nitrous on duty

Dr Jonathan Chahal of the Ormskirk District General Hospital used to inhale the anesthetic Entonox and air while on duty, the General Medical Council (GMC) was told on Monday.

GMC counsel Craig Sephton QC said that Dr Chahal had admitted to using the gas on at least four occasions and had told staff that it caused a "floaty" sensation. "He asked if they had ever tried it. He said it was fun and made you feel floaty," Mr Sephton told the panel.

It has also emerged that four female nurses were persuaded by the doctor to inhale the gas, which is generally used to relieve pain during labour.

Entonox is a medical mix of half nitrous oxide and half oxygen.