A hospital plumber, who has been told he has only months to live after developing mesothelioma, has received £175,000 in compensation.

UNISON union helped Alan Ward, who is now living in Worle, in Weston-super-Mare, pursued an 18 month claim against Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority when he developed the cancer of the lung lining.

The 61-year-old had been exposed to asbestos while working in a number of hospitals in the Wakefield area between 1964 and 1972, including removing asbestos lagging at Clayton Hospital and at Oulton Hall Hospital.


But he had never been warned about the dangers to his health during his time as a plumber and had not been provided with any protection.

Mr Ward later moved into more technical roles in local government and moved away from Yorkshire.

Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority settled the claim out of court.

Dave Prentis, UNISON's General Secretary, said: "Alan is one of a growing number of workers whose health has been fatally damaged just through going to work.

"The money will help make his remaining months comfortable, but no amount can compensate him for what he is suffering.

"Employers have to face up to their responsibilities to make sure they don’t put their workers at risk of injury or death."

(CD/KMcA)