Seven MPs, including West Dunbartonshire MP John McFall showed their support for the British Lung Foundation’s Action Mesothelioma campaign by presenting a patient charter, which had been signed by 14,294 people, to 10 Downing Street on Monday 27th February – the first Action Mesothelioma Day.

Also attending the presentation were Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation; Russell Hancock, representing the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund; Christine Knighton, Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund; Liz Darlison, Mesothelioma UK and Michael Wells, a mesothelioma patient from Market Harborough.

The presentation of the Charter to 10 Downing Street marks the launch of the Action Mesothelioma campaign – a year long initiative to raise awareness about this rare and aggressive form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The Action Mesothelioma patient charter calls for faster diagnosis, better treatment and care services, more funding for research and measures to prevent future asbestos exposure. The full wording of the charter can be found below...

The Mesothelioma Charter...

We, the undersigned, believe that:

Mesothelioma patients and their families have a right to:

1. a speedy and accurate diagnosis, supported by a Multi Disciplinary Team discussion.
2. good quality information from a variety of sources available in different media and languages
3. support of a suitably qualified nurse and other Multi Disciplinary Team members throughout their illness
4. be considered for the best possible treatments available with the support and input of a Multi Disciplinary Team
5. have up-to-date advice on benefits and help in applying for them, and receive prompt payment of benefits
6. have legal advice and guidance from a firm of solicitors experienced in mesothelioma claims
7. guidance on end of life decisions and care at home
8. provision of a consistent nationwide service from coroners using a clear and open process with a maximum case length of three months.

And call upon the Government to:

9. have mesothelioma made a national priority by the Cancer Tsar
10. fund good quality research, alongside other national bodies, on mesothelioma with a view to improving diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for patients
11. support the production of clinical Guidelines on the best practice of diagnosis and management of mesothelioma
12. ensure the Health and Safety Executive vigorously enforce existing regulations on asbestos

And call upon all employers to:

13. prevent future exposure to asbestos by providing a safe working environment with all necessary equipment to protect employees.
14. work with unions and individuals to ensure enforcement of current regulations to safeguard all employees.
15. identify all asbestos in their properties and organise its safe removal where practical or necessary when work is being carried out.

Mesothelioma is a malignant lung disease which results mainly from exposure to asbestos. Someone dies every five hours from mesothelioma in the UK.

Back to Home Page