A pensioner claims she contracted a fatal disease during her time working in a care home.
Nora Pheasant from Skelmersdale claims she was exposed to asbestos while working at The Hollies Residential Care Home in Werneth Park, Oldham. The 75-year-old believes she was exposed to asbestos that was used to lag the boiler and pipework in the cellar, which would be disturbed as she moved objects throughout the area.
At one point the asbestos was identified and removed by the council, during which time the residents were temporarily moved out of the home, but Ms Pheasant fears she had already been exposed to the dangerous substance. She is calling on former colleagues for help after being diagnosed with a fatal disease.
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Struggling with breathing difficulties, she went to her GP and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2021. Ms Pheasant said: "It’s almost impossible to put into words how devastating this diagnosis has been. I feel like I have nothing to look forward to and the symptoms make daily tasks so much more difficult. I believe that my work at The Hollies has caused this fatal illness but I need my former colleagues to help verify this.
"With their help, I hope to finally get the answers as to how I developed this horrendous disease."
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the body's organs, commonly the lungs, which is usually linked to asbestos exposure. It can often take more than 40 years for symptoms to develop after exposure. According to the Health and Safety Executive, there were 2,369 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain in 2019. Ms Pheasant has enlisted Thompsons Solicitors to help with her claim.
The legal experts have been paving the way for asbestos litigation in the UK ever since it brought about the first successful asbestos disease claim to the House of Lords 50 years ago. Paula Wrigley of Thompsons Solicitors, who is representing Ms Pheasant, said: "Nora has dedicated her whole life to caring for the vulnerable in her community.
"It’s tragic that the priceless work she carried out for Oldham Council has ultimately led to her being diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s vitally important that anyone who worked with her at The Hollies Residential Care Home comes forward to help get the answers she and her loved ones deserve."
Anyone with information that could help Ms Pheasant with her claim should contact Paula Wrigley at Thompsons Solicitors via email on paulawrigley@thompsons.law.co.uk or phone 0151 224 1608.
An Oldham Council spokesperson said: "The health and safety of our employees is really important to us, our thoughts are with Ms Pheasant at what must be a very worrying time for her. However, as legal proceedings are ongoing it would be inappropriate for the us to comment further at this time."
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