A legal battle has begun as a retired nurse with terminal cancer is suing the Belfast Health Trust for alleged exposure to asbestos during her nearly 50-year tenure at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Monica Johnston was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, in January 2023. Asbestos, once commonly used in building materials, was found to be carcinogenic when its fibers are inhaled.
Johnston firmly believes that her exposure to asbestos fibers occurred during her time working at the hospital. Mesothelioma, a fatal disease, can take decades to develop, and it primarily results from long-term, low-level inhalation of asbestos. The news of her diagnosis significantly impacted her and her family, with Johnston expressing the devastating effect it had on their lives.
In the ongoing battle against asbestos exposure, more than £10 million has been spent on removing asbestos from numerous hospitals and healthcare buildings in Northern Ireland since 2019, with a considerable portion allocated to the Belfast Trust. Various health trusts stress the importance of investing significant funds to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure, with robust measures in place to manage affected sites effectively.
Compensation for asbestos exposure in Northern Ireland can be pursued through legal avenues or government compensation schemes. Data obtained by BBC News NI disclosed that at least £347,000 has been paid out by health trusts since 2003 to individuals who claim exposure to asbestos in healthcare facilities. Johnston’s case and advocacy serve to raise awareness about the risks associated with asbestos exposure, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing potential hazards in the workplace
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