Nottingham hospitals have been using aromatherapy to treat infections, 'hysteria' and help prevent labour complications. The use of the method, which uses plant extracts and essential oils, has been described as shocking, according to a report from The Times.
Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital's maternity departments, run by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), are currently subject to a review following dozens of baby deaths. The NHS trust has faced further criticism over its aromatherapy guidelines.
NUH said it was reviewing the wording of the guidance, which was highlighted by maternity commentator Catherine Roy. The internal guidelines suggest using essential oils if the placenta does not follow the baby out of the womb quickly enough.
