An NHS trust has paid a six-figure sum to relatives of a hospital porter who claimed asbestos caused his death.
Geoff King, 76, worked for 21 years at Poole Hospital in areas contaminated with asbestos dust and debris, lawyers said.
He died from mesothelioma – an asbestos-related cancer – in December 2021, according to legal firm Leigh Day.
University Hospitals Dorset, which made the payment without admitting liability, said asbestos was commonly used in many hospitals and it had strict protocols to manage the material safely.
The grandfather of four died within weeks of being admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath to the hospital where he had previously worked.
Leigh Day said it uncovered a survey from 2013 which found several “high risk” areas in the hospital’s B Block.
Asbestos debris and dust was found on the floor, walls and equipment in the boiler room, lawyers said.
Contamination was also discovered in the plant room and the basement service tunnel.
The survey recommended a clean of the boiler room, a ban on entering heavily contaminated areas and limited access to less affected locations.
The legal firm said: “No disclosure has been received by Poole Hospital or the Trust to confirm whether any further action was taken.”
In a statement, the NHS trust said the hospital did extensive work to remove asbestos between 2000 and 2013.
It expressed sympathies to Mr King’s family.
His daughter Sarah Rodway, who started the legal action in January 2022, said: “To lose him so suddenly, and to a disease that could have been prevented, has been devastating.
“What hurts most is the feeling that hospitals and other employers are still cutting corners on asbestos safety because it’s cheaper than making places safe.
“We still have questions and concerns and very few answers and reassurance, and that lack of information only adds to the pain our family is now having to live with.”
