Action on Asbestos: Industrial Injury & Disease

Huge thanks to Cathie Hyslop for laying this year’s wreath on behalf of CAA. Cathie lost her husband Robert to mesothelioma on 30th May 2017 at the age of 62. It was our privilege to have you lay our wreath today Cathie and you should be so proud.

To everyone who laid flowers in remembrance of all those who have died as a result of the asbestos tragedy, and all those who continue the fight so that future generations are free from the scourge of #asbestos and #mesothelioma we thank you on behalf of CAA.

Over 150 people attend a memorial today for victims of asbestos exposure. The memorial, organised by CAA Action on Asbestos. Manager Phyllis Craig, MBE:

The memorial is an extremely important occasion for us. Each year, we see more people being diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition in Scotland.

It is of the utmost importance that we take time to reflect on all those who have died throughout the world and take time to remember family members, friends, and colleagues who have died in Scotland through no fault of their own.

However, today, we also want to focus on the positives steps that are being taken to help those who are currently living with a diagnosis of the terminal illness mesothelioma.

The charity has recently sponsored two hospital-based CAA Specialist Nurses to provide vital support to victims who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Phyllis added

The specialist nurses will provide invaluable information and support. They are focusing on ways to improve the patient’s experience and look at ways to help them to manage their condition. Being diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition can be daunting and for those with a terminal illness, devastating.

We want people to know that they are not alone. CAA is working hard to improve the support that is available following diagnosis and are supporting nurses to learn more about mesothelioma by helping to fund places for them on courses and learning days that focus on mesothelioma.

Dr Kevin Blyth, who is a Consultant Respiratory Physician with a special interest in mesothelioma:

I see many of the patients who are diagnosed with asbestos-related disease and I am particularly aware of the increase in the number of patients that I see with mesothelioma.

This is an illness that is particularly difficult to treat and I am extremely supportive of the work that CAA Action on Asbestos is doing. I am honoured to be invited to address the memorial.

Anas Sarwar MSP addressed the memorial to show his support for people with an asbestos-related disease and his support for the charity.

The legacy of asbestos use in Scotland is frankly appalling. I am committed to doing all that I can in to support those who are living with the consequences of being exposed to asbestos.

I greatly admire the work of CAA and the fact that they have been representing people with asbestos-related conditions for over 35 years. It is a privilege to be invited to speak at their memorial.

Against this backdrop, the charity is keen to emphasise that prevention is the only way to stop future generations from being affected by asbestos-related disease and the charity are jointly campaigning with GMB, Unite, EIS and Unison to campaign to have asbestos removed from our Scottish schools to protect future generations.

Laura Blane of Thompsons Solicitors helps those diagnosed with an asbestos condition access civil compensation:

As long as people continue to be exposed to asbestos, the number of people needing help with compensation claims will never start to level off. Every day I see the reality of the damage that asbestos exposure has caused and it is quite simply appalling.

Phyllis Craig:

We want people to remember that Scotland’s industrious past came at a cost, and continues to do so. The least we can do is provide an occasion where families can come together and support each other.