Live with Sky News – the lens on laughing gas

Medicine And Emergency Care

Dr David Nicholl, Consultant Neurologist, has taken to social media in collaboration with Sky News to warn about the dangers of using nitrous oxide as a legal high. Bringing new ways of delivering vital health information to younger audiences means using our channels to their full potential.

This proved effective when Dr Nicholl took part in a “live” video with Sky News via the Trust’s Instagram page. Reinforcing his message about the danger of nitrous oxide, he said: “I have seen a huge rise in admissions due to nitrous oxide abuse, with cases increasing exponentially since large canister brands began to flood the market in 2021.

“I now see more patients struggling with side effects of 'nos' than cocaine abuse. Laughing gas is the second most-used drug among those aged 16-24.

“Instagram is a key platform because it helps target the demographic that we need to reach and it’s the new way of receiving health information for Gen Z.

“It’s great the Trust are using their social media channels to deliver key health messages to the younger generation, as we know many don’t watch the news or pick up a newspaper.”

Dr Nicholl has also worked with the communications team on a number of TikTok videos about the dangers of laughing gas –one of which gained 1.2 million views and 69.5 thousand likes. A video that alerts people about supersize cannisters was also shared by a verified news account with 4.5 million followers on Instagram.

Off the back of the live, the Trust’s Instagram page gained an influx of new followers, which shows there is an interest for educational health information on the app.

Vanya Rogers, Head of External Communications, explained: “Increasingly the importance of social media is a key consideration for us, as we know our communities use different channels to seek health related information, access services and receive news on subjects that matter to them.

“In the past it was an option for Trusts to decide whether or not to be present and active on social media, however now it is an essential part of our press office strategy as we position the organisation as a trusted voice on health matters and our people as experts in their field.”

If you would like to support the creation of our health-related content, please contact the press office by emailing vanya.rogers@nhs.net