The family of Geoffrey King, a beloved hospital porter, has been left devastated following his death from mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Mr. King, a popular grandfather of four, worked at Poole Hospital in Dorset for more than 20 years before retiring. Just five years into retirement, he was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer and died at the very hospital where he served.
An inquest determined that Mr. King, 76, died from mesothelioma, an industrial disease linked to asbestos exposure during his employment. His family engaged legal representatives from Leigh Day, who secured a six-figure compensation settlement from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Foundation Trust. The payout was made without admission of liability.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that Poole Hospital had multiple areas identified as high-risk for asbestos exposure, including the boiler room in B Block, where unsealed asbestos debris in poor condition was found in a 2013 survey. Despite recommendations for immediate remediation and restricted access, there has been no confirmation from the hospital or UHD Trust about subsequent actions taken.
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Mr. King’s daughter, Sarah Rodway, expressed the family’s anguish, underscoring the ongoing pain caused by unanswered questions and concerns about asbestos safety standards. “Dad was liked by everyone. 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,” she said.
During his illness, Mr. King suffered from severe respiratory issues before passing away in December 2021. He had been a healthy man prior to his diagnosis, making the impact of the disease even more profound.
The senior coroner for Dorset confirmed the cause of death as industrial disease at the inquest in November 2022, following expert medical testimony. Geoffrey King’s widow of 52 years, Joyce, and daughter Sarah took legal action, leading to the settlement.
Legal partner Ewan Tant from Leigh Day stated that significant concerns remain about asbestos exposure at the hospital. “Documents obtained show dangerous asbestos conditions at Poole Hospital during Geoffrey’s employment. While questions remain unanswered, we are pleased to have secured this settlement for the family,” he said.
Mesothelioma claims around 2,500 lives annually in the UK, often many years after asbestos exposure. The UHD NHS Foundation Trust has been approached for comment regarding safety measures and asbestos management at Poole Hospital.