Family appeal for witnesses after former Bolton Royal Infirmary nurse dies from asbestos cancer

Freda Hurst worked at Bolton Royal Infirmary on the ophthalmic ward from 1980 and into the 1990s, where her family believe she may have been exposed to asbestos.

Ahead of the infirmary transferring its services to the Royal Bolton Hospital in 1996, Freda said she was required to review and sort through medical records stored in the cellar.  

Freda recalled that the basement was a dusty and dirty environment, with the medical records covered in this dust. She also remembered that the cellar contained hot water pipes coated in lagging which was in poor condition.  

Following the transfer of services, Freda continued to work at the Royal Bolton Hospital until around 1998/99 when she retired.  

In 2023, Freda became concerned about symptoms she was experiencing and in October she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. She died less than a year later in May 2024.  

Freda’s family have since instructed Louisa Saville, a partner from the personal injury team at law firm Leigh Day to investigate her case.  

They are urging Freda’s former colleagues or people who people who worked at the hospital at a similar time to come forward with "any information” about how she may have been exposed to asbestos.  

Freda’s family said: 

“Freda worked at Bolton Royal Infirmary from around 1980 to 1996. She died in 2024 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Freda was convinced that this disease was a result of her being exposed to asbestos during her employment at the infirmary. 

“In 2024 after Freda learned that her terrible illness had been caused by exposure to asbestos, she initiated legal action instructing Leigh Day to bring a claim. Sadly she passed away before this was concluded, so her family are honouring her wishes by proceeding with a claim. 

“She had many friends at Bolton Royal Infirmary, but in the 20 years or so after leaving lost contact with them. We ask if anyone who remembers Freda at Bolton Royal Infirmary who can remember her being asked to go down into the basement, this information would be of assistance in progressing the claim.” 

Leigh Day partner Louisa Saville, who represents Freda’s family, said: 

“Mesothelioma is a terrible and incurable disease, with Freda sadly passing away a few months after her diagnosis. Her family are now looking for anybody who can offer more information about Freda’s working environment, and how she may have been exposed to asbestos. Any information would be greatly appreciated by the family and could help support their claim.”