Family appeal for help over asbestos death
SOLICITORS are investigating if a widower who died from asbestosrelated cancer was exposed to the deadly substance while working as a hospital cleaner.
Veronica Taylor died in April 2016, aged 84, six months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Her family fear she may have been exposed to asbestos while working as a cleaner at the now demolished Birch Hill Hospital between 1981 and 1991.
During her time at Birch Hill, Veronica, who lived in Newhey and in later life Firgrove, undertook a range of jobs including dusting, vacuuming and mopping and was also involved in deep cleans across various parts of the site.
Veronica’s niece Suzanne O’Neill, 55, appealed to her aunt’s former colleagues to come forward with information on working conditions at Birch Hill
Suzanne said: “It was devastating to lose my aunt and the entire family still wants answers regarding how she came into contact with asbestos.
“If anyone is able to provide information regarding the presence of the material at Birch Hill Hospital it would be hugely appreciated, as such detail could be an important step towards securing the justice that my aunt never got in her lifetime.”
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and terminal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, often decades before victims begin to suffer with symptoms.
More than 2,500 people in the UK die from the disease every year.
Dominic Hemsi, partner and asbestosrelated disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office, is representing Veronica’s family.
He said: “This is yet another case which highlights the tragic consequences that exposure to asbestos can have.
“Our clients remain desperate for answers regarding how Veronica’s illness emerged and we are determined to help them in their fight for justice. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to assist us by providing information regarding Birch Hill Hospital.”
Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust were contacted for comment.