COURT RULING: Six-figure settlement means late Northwood nurse can ‘rest in peace’

Friends of a Northwood woman who died from an asbestos related disease say that 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 on May 15, 2016.  More than three years later, her claim for compensation against Mount Vernon Hospital, where she lived, worked and spent her final days has settled.

Mandy was first diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2015; it is a cancer of the lining of the lungs most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos decades previously.

Following on from her diagnosis, Mandy instructed asbestos related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how she had been in contact with the deadly substance.

Mandy believed her exposure took place at 117-year-old Mount Vernon Hospital, where she worked for various periods between 1982 and 2006. She lived in the nurses’ accommodation and passed away at the Michael Sobell Hospice on site.

The hospital denied the claim. However, proceedings were issued in May 2019 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.”

Mount Vernon Hospital is not alone in containing asbestos. Reports suggest that nine out of 10 NHS Trusts have the substance in their hospitals, including 94 per cent of hospitals in London.

Mandy underwent chemotherapy treatment during her illness, in an effort to beat the disease and see the conclusion of her case. Mandy’s story will now warn others of the risk.

Joanne Jefferies, partner and asbestos-related disease solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Sadly, many clients with mesothelioma pass away before they can see justice done. Mandy was devastated to be diagnosed with asbestos related cancer at such a young age and the irony of developing the disease because she lived and worked at a specialist cancer hospital was not lost on her.”