Novum Law recovers thousands of pounds for Suffolk hospice

St. Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich has received a welcome financial boost after our specialist asbestos disease team secured funds of over £32k to cover the cost of care for a man who died from mesothelioma.

Lynn Yeates, acting on behalf of the family of Brian Thomas from Capel St Mary near Ipswich who died from the asbestos-related cancer, secured his care costs at the hospice as part of a settlement from the insurers of his former employers.

Brian, who was just 69 when he died, was exposed to asbestos during his work many years ago when he first started his career as a carpenter/joiner on construction sites.

The recovery of the hospice care costs was made possible due to a landmark ruling in 2010 which allows hospices to recover the costs involved in caring for people with asbestos-related diseases. Before this legislation, these costs used to be funded through charitable donations.

Sue Thomas, Brian’s wife has spoken of her relief after her legal case was successful, securing much-needed funds for the hospice as well as compensation for the loss of her beloved husband.

She said: “I will be forever grateful to St. Elizabeth Hospice for the fantastic level of care, support and compassion provided to Brian, myself and our family during his final days. It gives me great comfort to know that we have been able to give something back to the hospice so that the wonderful team there can continue to provide care to other families who find themselves in a similar situation facing the loss of a loved one. I’d personally like to thank our solicitor Lynn Yeates for making this all possible and ensuring that some good has come out of our devastating experience.”

Lynn Yeates explained: “What many people do not realise is that hospices only receive a small percentage of their funding from the public sector. While hospice care is ‘free’ at the point of delivery, hospices often have to rely on charitable donations and fundraising activities organised by staff and volunteers to make up the shortfalls.

“I’m delighted to have recovered such a substantial amount of money for St. Elizabeth Hospice to allow them to continue to provide first-class care and support for patients nearing the end of their lives and their families.”

Mark Millar, Chief Executive of St. Elizabeth Hospice added: “We are very grateful to receive this money through the mesothelioma claim brought on behalf of Brian Thomas. We’re committed to providing the best standards of specialist palliative care for those who need it and it is only through donations that we are able to deliver our services. The money will be put to good use ensuring that we can continue to help care for people in the local area living with progressive or terminal illnesses.”

To find out more about making a compensation claim for asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, or to find out more about the recovery of hospice care costs, call our specialist asbestos disease team on: 0800 884 0777 or email info@novumlaw.com.