Appeal For Sunderland Hospital Asbestos Witnesses
Asbestos-Related Disease Mesothelioma
14/04/2008
A 68-year-old Sunderland woman is appealing to former colleagues for help in pursuing a claim against her former employers after she was diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease Mesothelioma.
Margaret Forster was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in June 2007 and believes she was exposed to asbestos dust in the course of her employment at the old Royal Infirmary Durham Road, Sunderland, the Sunderland Eye Infirmary and Monkwearmouth Hospital.
Neil Wilkinson, industrial injury solicitor at the Newcastle office of Irwin Mitchell, the UK’s leading Personal Injury solicitors is representing Mrs Forster and is urging anyone who may be able to assist to come forward.
He said: "Mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer and it is vital that we get in contact with anyone who worked with Mrs Forster at the old Sunderland Infirmary, the Sunderland Eye infirmary or Monkwearmouth Hospital. We would also like to hear from anyone who worked in these hospitals at the same time as Mrs Forster.
"We are keen to obtain additional information that will help to establish that the hospitals contained asbestos in poor condition during Mrs Forster's employment so we are able to obtain justice for Mrs Forster and her family.
"Although asbestos-related disease is normally linked to industrial exposure, there many people of other occupations such as nurses and teachers who have been affected in an equally devastating way. Mesothelioma affects over 1800 people per year and the numbers are predicted to rise."
Mrs Forster worked at the old Sunderland Royal Infirmary between 1956 and 1962 and was exposed to asbestos dust from poorly maintained pipe insulation.
The pipes in the basement which Mrs Forster regularly had to visit were insulated with asbestos lagging that crumbled when disturbed. The asbestos dust produced contained deadly fibres which when inhaled can cause mesothelioma.
Mrs Forster also worked at the Eye Infirmary on Queen Alexandra Road in Sunderland between 1962 and 1969 and then later, between 1988 and 1994, though the asbestos had been removed during the second period.
Mrs Forster also worked at Monkwearmouth Hospital on Newcastle Road, Sunderland between 1973 and 1988. Between 1973 and 1978 she worked on Williamson Ward 2, the Mens' Orthopaedic Ward and from 1978 to 1988 on the Ward 1, the Ladies Orthopaedic Ward. Mrs Forster had to go to the basement regularly during her shift to get splints or wheelchairs and it was there that she believes that she was exposed to asbestos dust.
Anyone who is able to help should contact Mr Wilkinson on 0191 279 0100.