Over the fifty years that she worked as a nurse, Monica Johnston of Belfast in the United Kingdom never dreamed that her career would eventually lead to a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis. But after struggling to identify the source of her asbestos exposure, the retired healthcare professional realized that the toxic substance was hidden in the walls, floors, and ceiling of the nursing accommodations where she’d lived while working for Royal Victoria Hospital. She has filed suit against the Belfast Health Trust, seeking compensation for the damages she’s suffered.
Mesothelioma’s Source Identified as Asbestos In Health Facilities
Despite her long career as a nurse, Ms. Johnston had never heard of mesothelioma. But in November 2021, she frequently found herself out of breath and eventually developed pains in her chest. When she collapsed at work, diagnostic scans were done and confirmed that she had the rare, asbestos-related disease. That was when the search for the source of her exposure began.
“There was nothing in my childhood, my family, or their work that connected me to asbestos,” she said. “The only possible exposure was through my own work.” Further investigation traced potential exposures to the nursing accommodations she lived in during the 1970s and 1980s, which were constructed in the early 1950s. Ten years ago, asbestos was identified in those buildings, which are now scheduled for demolition.
Nurse with Mesothelioma Hopes Her Case Will Raise Awareness
As Ms. Johnston pursues her legal case against the Belfast Health Trust, she hopes that it will raise awareness among other potential victims. The 66-year-old describes her diagnosis as being “like a bomb that was dropped on my family,” and now hopes the attention her diagnosis is getting will raise awareness of the issue among others who are at risk. “It’s too late for me,” she said, “And it’s not about scaremongering, but I want to make people aware of the risks out there.”
For its part, the Belfast Trust issued a statement saying it was saddened to learn of Ms. Johnston’s mesothelioma diagnosis, calling her “a much valued and highly respected member of our staff and a tremendous colleague who was dedicated to caring for patients.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. For more information, contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
