Trust learns lessons after asbestos fine

An NHS trust which was fined £16,000 over failures surrounding the discovery of asbestos at one of its hospitals has “learned lessons” from the incident.

The case focused on builders’ renovations for Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospitals Trust (SaTH) in 2012.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said workers’ exposure to asbestos was a “potentially lethal risk” SaTH failed to control.

The Trust pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches earlier this month and said “nobody came to harm”.

And now Julia Clarke, director of corporate governance, told a meeting of SaTH’s board on Thursday that it was now “one of the most asbestos aware organisations within the NHS.”

She said: “When it came to light from the whistleblower a full and thorough investigation was carried out.

“I need to make it clear that the amount involved was not enough to cause significant risk of harm and is more in keeping with what you would encounter in day-to-day life.

“However, it was taken very seriously indeed and a series of disciplinary hearings were held with senior members of staff.

“We are now undoubtedly one of the most asbestos-aware organisations within the NHS.

“The judge was very complimentary of the remedial work and a fine that could have been six figures was handed down at £8,000 per charge.”

At Telford Magistrates Court, SaTH was also ordered to pay costs of more than £18,000.

The HSE said asbestos-related diseases are linked to 5,000 deaths a year in the UK. Exposure is commonly linked to lung disease and mesothelioma, accordingto Cancer Research.

Fears of asbestos exposure at SaTH were first raised by Les Small, a project manager in the estates department.

His concerns regarded renovation work in nursing accommodation at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

He lost his job after raising his fears, but later won £50,000 damages after a tribunal found he was unlawfully fired.