Retired Nurse Appeals To Former Colleagues For Help Following Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A former nurse is appealing to her former work colleagues to help with an investigation into her exposure to asbestos decades ago after being diagnosed with mesothelioma - an incurable cancer related to the deadly dust.

Georgina Smith, known to her friends and colleagues as Gina, 61, from Roughton, was diagnosed with the disease in November 2014 after suffering with shortness of breath.

It can take decades after exposure to asbestos before symptoms of mesothelioma develop. Gina has now instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances of her exposure to the deadly dust and fibres.

Gina told her legal team at Irwin Mitchell that after her training she believes she was exposed to asbestos at the old Cromer and St Michael’s Hospitals, Aylsham. 

Asbestos was commonly used in public buildings due to its insulating and fire retardant properties but the substance can cause serious health problems when it is not maintained and the harmful dust and fibres can be released into the atmosphere.

Before refurbishment, Cromer hospital was in a state of disrepair.

Gina recalls that pipework at the hospitals was lagged with asbestos which wasn’t in a good condition. Fibres were released into the air when people walked past.

Her expert legal team at Irwin Mitchell would like to hear from any of Gina’s former nursing colleagues, estate workers, and any other hospital workers who carried out maintenance work and who may have knowledge of the whereabouts of asbestos at Cromer and Aylsham Hospitals.

Martyn Hayward, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office, representing Gina, said:

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and causes the death of more than 2,500 people every year in the UK. It causes a significant amount of pain and distress for victims, like Gina, and we hope we will be able to help her understand why more wasn’t done in the past to protect her.

“Those who worked alongside Gina may have important information on the presence of asbestos at the hospitals. They may also have details of any measures, if any, taken to reduce potential exposure to the harmful dust

“At Irwin Mitchell we are seeing more and more cases like Gina’s, where exposure may has taken place in public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, where asbestos was often used in the construction and became harmful as its condition deteriorated.

“It is vital more is done to protect people like Gina who have every right to be able to go to work and not suffer these terrible diseases decades down the line. Our top priority now is to help Gina as she continues to fight for justice after being diagnosed with this terrible disease.

“We hope former colleagues will come forward with the crucial information we need to get these answers for Gina.” Martyn Hayward - Solicitor

Gina said: “My diagnosis came as a complete shock and to find out that my asbestos cancer may be because of exposure to asbestos at work, just added insult to injury. The disease is already having a huge impact on my daily life and I now rely on friends and family more than ever.

I’m very worried about what the future holds for me, but I’m focused and determined to get the answers I need and to ensure those who failed to protect me from the dangers of asbestos are held to account in some way.

Hopefully, my former colleagues will come forward with the information my legal team needs and I will be able to get to the bottom of what caused my disease.”

Anyone who recalls working with Gina at Cromer and Aylsham Hospitals should contact Martyn Hayward at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 01223 791830 or email martyn.hayward@Irwinmitchell.com.

Our expert mesothelioma lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved on has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.