FRIENDS of a Northwood woman, who died from an asbestos-related disease, say a six-figure settlement from the hospital where she worked means the ex-nurse can now rest in peace.
Mandy Mather was just 51 when she died of mesothelioma in May 2016.
More than three years later, her claim for compensation against Mount Vernon Hospital, where she lived, worked and spent her final days, is settled.
Mandy was first diagnosed in February 2015 with the disease, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.
She instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors to investigate how she had been in contact with the deadly substance.
Mandy believed it happened at Mount Vernon, where she worked for various periods between 1982 and 2006. She lived in the nurses’ accommodation and died at the Michael Sobell Hospice on site.
READ MORE: Heightened security as police begin patrolling NATO summit
READ MORE: Hillingdon youngsters among best-read in London
The hospital denied the claim, but proceedings were issued in May and the hospital has now made a six-figure offer to settle.
Heather Barrett, one of Mandy’s friends and supporters said: “It was upsetting to see Mandy suffer the way she did towards the end.
“We know how important it was to Mandy to get answers, so at least now she can rest in peace.”
The conclusion comes 20 years since the ban on white asbestos, but new cases continue to
Mandy had claimed that wards were not sealed off completely during repair and maintenance work, which she believed risked exposing her and others to asbestos dust.
Reports suggest that nine out of 10 NHS Trusts have asbestos in their hospitals, including 94% of hospitals in London.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here