Mansfield-based BPR Medical won the Outstanding Achievement Award for its nitrous oxide conversion unit at the Medilink Midlands Business Awards.

The mobile device, which uses technology from Swedish partner company Medclair, allows the safe and sustainable delivery of gas and air, the pain relief used most widely on the NHS.

Tackling nitrous oxide emissions has been identified as a key part of plans to make the NHS net zero by 2045.

BPR has sold the innovation to NHS trusts across the country. Its award entry, which was also highly commended in the Innovation category, will now go through to contend for the national Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards.

Nitrous oxide is widely used in the NHS as a pain relief for patients. However, it is also a significant contributor to the health service’s emissions, up to 300 times more potent in its global warming effect than CO2.

The UK’s first ‘climate friendly’ birth, using BPR’s nitrous oxide conversion unit took place in September 2021. Mum Kaja Gersinska gave birth to her daughter breathing Entonox pain relief gas, which was then converted to harmless oxygen and nitrogen using BPR’s device.

Managing director of BPR Richard Radford said: “We are honoured that our work to introduce nitrous oxide conversion technology to the NHS has won this award. The Midlands is full of innovative businesses responding to the challenges of today. It’s a real privilege to be chosen as an example of that.

“This success will help us continue to work with NHS hospitals across the country to give patients access to this important technology, so they can continue to benefit from vital pain relief, while safeguarding the environment.”