Lawyers And Loved Ones Seek Information About Hospital’s Basement

The widow of a former plasterer who died three years ago from asbestos-related disease has joined with lawyers to appeal for information as to whether he could have been exposed to the deadly material in the basement of a Cardiff hospital.

John Coopey, from Blackwood in Gwent, died aged 65 in November 2014, around nine months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with contact with asbestos.

Prior to his death, the father-of-three instructed Irwin Mitchell’s specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers to help him gain answers regarding how he developed the illness.

During discussions with the legal experts, he outlined how he may have come into contact with the material during his time working at Robbins & Brown Ltd between 1984 and 1997. More specifically he believed exposure could have occurred while working on a variety of projects at the  University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, known as  “The Heath”.

Now, the legal experts at Irwin Mitchell are launching an appeal for more information. They are keen to hear from anyone with information about the potential presence of asbestos in the hospital during the time period in question.

Isabelle Selley, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office is acting for John’s family.

Expert Opinion

This is yet another terrible case which highlights the awful legacy of asbestos exposure and how it has affected so many lives.

“John recalled asbestos being present in the basement and throughout the hospital. We are keen to hear from anyone who worked in the hospital and has any knowledge of asbestos being present in the Heath beyond 1986. It would be helpful to speak to anyone who has knowledge of when asbestos was removed from the hospital buildings.

“Any information could prove vital to our efforts to help John’s family get the justice they deserve regarding his illness.” Isabelle Selley - Senior Associate Solicitor

John’s widow Lynda, aged 66, said: “It was devastating to see how quickly mesothelioma affected John following his diagnosis and the entire family misses him so much everyday.

“Before he died he was adamant that pipework in the basement of University Hospital of Wales – or Heath Hospital as he referred to it – was lagged with asbestos and that he often saw people working on repairs due to its poor state.

“While nothing can bring John back, we are hopeful that by continuing with this case we are able to get justice in his memory and also gain closure regarding many of the questions we still have about his illness. ”

Anyone with information should contact us at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office on 0117 926 1511 or get in touch online.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling cases of asbestos related disease.