The contractor allegedly responsible for a gas mix-up that led to the death of a newborn baby at a Sydney hospital six years ago has been charged with manslaughter.

Baby John Ghanem died after nitrous oxide – known as “laughing gas” and fatal to babies – was given instead of oxygen during resuscitation in the operating theatre at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in 2016.

The parents of baby John; Youssef and Sonya Ghanem.Credit:Facebook

The death lead to a coronial inquest which began last year. However, amid the inquest, a review of the police brief of evidence into the matter was instigated.

The review, along with further inquiries, has now led to the arrest of 61-year-old gas fitter Christopher Turner.

About 8.50am on Monday, Turner attended Bankstown Police Station and was charged with manslaughter by criminal negligence and causing grievous bodily harm by a negligent act or omission.

Police will allege in court Turner failed to adhere to Australian standards when certifying oxygen connections within the neonatal medical gas outlet at the hospital prior to baby John’s death.

He was refused bail and will appear at Bankstown Local Court on Monday.

Last year, the inquest was told how almost a week went by before the incident was investigated.

A nurse had heard of a strikingly similar event in India and lodged a request that the gas lines be tested, which later confirmed her suspicions.

More to come.

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