First West Midlands based Clinical Nurse Specialist for asbestos-related cancer

Mesothelioma patients across the West Midlands will have access to specialist support thanks to the appointment of the region’s first Clinical Nurse Specialist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Sophie Philips has 15 years’ experience assisting cancer patients at the hospital, including a part-time role as a Macmillan Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist.

Sophie becomes the twenty-sixth to join a nationwide network of Clinical Nurse Specialists run by the asbestos-related cancer charity Mesothelioma UK. These nurses are based in an NHS hospital in the region and provide tailored support for those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Approximately 60-80 people in the West Midlands are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, and 2,700 diagnosed in the UK each year.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The fibres in asbestos dust are extremely dangerous as they can stick to the lungs. With mesothelioma, it affects the thin layer of tissue covering the lungs and the chest wall.

Asbestos was used in most construction work from the 1930s until the mid 1970s as it was a strong and heat resistant material. However upon learning about the side effects of asbestos dust, it is now highly regulated in how it is used.

Asbestosis, mesothelioma, and claiming

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease or cancer such as mesothelioma, and believe that it has been caused by adverse working conditions, it could be considered an ‘occupational lung disease’ which we may be able to make a personal injury claim on your behalf.

As it is something that can develop slowly, it may be the case that you may not be working for the company anymore, or that the company no longer exists. In these cases, you may still be able to make a claim. The claim could be made against the insurance company that covered the company at the time, or through the Pneumoconiosis (Workman’s Compensation) Act 1979 in some instances.

You can find out more about asbestosis and mesothelioma claims by clicking here, or you can start a claim by clicking here or calling 0800 29 800 29.

Image credit: Tony Hisgett, Flickr.

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