Special Event Was Held At The Principal, York

Healthcare professionals from across Yorkshire and beyond gathered in York today for a special event to share best practice and improve the patient experience for victims of asbestos-related illness.

Organised by national law firm Irwin Mitchell and Mesothelioma UK, the free Mesothelioma Study Day on Friday, 5 May, took place at The Principal Hotel in York. In attendance were a number of experts and healthcare professionals in both primary and secondary sectors who are involved in the management of patients with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and is caused by exposure to asbestos often decades before symptoms begin to appear. The latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures claim there were over 2,500 deaths from mesothelioma in 2014.

As well as looking at developments in diagnosis, the Study Day also examined a range of other asbestos-related topics including the history of the material’s use, drugs and surgical trials and the management of symptoms.

The day was hosted by Ian Toft, head of the Industrial Disease team at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, alongside Simon Bolton, who is a Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist at Harrogate & District Hospital.

Speaking after the event, Ian Toft said: 

Expert Opinion

“Through our work we sadly see the devastating impact that asbestos-related disease has on victims, their family and other loved ones.

“This Study Day provided information and insight on a number of aspects related to mesothelioma care and treatment, as well as further historical context on just how so many people have come to be affected by exposure to the material.

“It was great to meet everyone who attended the event and to share information on the developments in the diagnosis of mesothelioma and the management of the patient’s care.” Ian Toft - Partner & Head of Asbestos and Occupational Disease (North)

Other topics covered on the day included the history of asbestos use, Drug and Surgical Trials and Symptom Management, as well as patient stories.

Simon Bolton of Mesothelioma UK, which is sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, added: “The day was an ideal opportunity for health professionals to learn more about current standards related to mesothelioma care, as well as the steps being taken to improve treatment through clinical research and trials.

“With a growing number of mesothelioma cases emerging, it is hugely important that those involved in healthcare understand the key issues related to this terrible condition.”

The event was sponsored by Rocket Medical, Bristol Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca and Merck Sharp & Dohme.