Asbestos disease prevention has been granted a boon following the announcement Mick George Ltd has formed a new partnership with Mesothelioma UK.
Earlier this year, Mick George Ltd announced the initiation of its ‘Environmental’ division, accredited to complete all related asbestos works within the construction sector. With the business continuing to positively establish itself as a recognised supplier to the industry, they have made another significant statement of intent.
In an attempt to further boost the recent medical advancements to aid prevention and patient treatment of asbestos linked healthcare issues, Mick George Ltd has announced a partnership with leading specialists ‘Mesothelioma UK’. This will see the company provide financial support to the Leicestershire-based charity.
Mesothelioma UK is a national specialist resource centre, dedicated to providing information, support and education for asbestos-related cancer. The charity integrates into the NHS front-line to ensure professional nursing is available at the point of need. This is achieved through a growing network of specialist nurses, regionally based in NHS hospitals throughout the country, by the charity.
Liz Darlison, Mesothelioma UK Director of Services and Consultant Nurse at UHL, said: “Mick George has a history of community support and philanthropy, with a genuine dedication to supporting related charities.
“The UK has the highest incidence of cases of mesothelioma in the world and with asbestos being at the heart of this disease, there’s a real connection here with Mick George’s expertise in surveying, stripping, carriage and disposal of asbestos. We are delighted to welcome them on board and together we will continue to help patients with mesothelioma, their carers and families across the UK.”
Industry challenges
Asbestos contaminated materials are commonly accepted as one of the most dangerous within the building trade, and for good reason due to its links with fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall, abdomen, testicles and also surrounds vital organs within these cavities, such as the heart and lungs.
Statistics and recent media revelations suggest that despite clinical developments, the reality is that the dangers are still very much apparent and urgently need attention. In excess of 2,500 people are diagnosed in the UK with mesothelioma each year, with mortality rates remaining particularly high. Mesothelioma is 16th most common cause of cancer death, accounting for two per cent of all cancer bereavements in the UK. Sadly, those who have previously had a connection with the construction industry appear to be mainly at risk in later life.
Although the two organisations face a demanding challenge, the collaborative venture is poised to play a pivotal role in altering the statistics moving forward. National audits suggest that improvements in survival and basic science breakthroughs are progressing thanks to the works that Mesothelioma UK are already engaged, but the two aren’t content with stopping there.
It is anticipated that the additional finances donated by Mick George Ltd will encourage further developments, specifically in reference to extra nurses, research, as well as informative and educational programmes.
Jon Stump, Finance Director at Mick George Ltd commented: “Our experience in handling asbestos, means we’re well placed to understand the dangers, and why there are such stringent regulations in place to reduce potentially catastrophic outcomes.
“Unfortunately, men in the industry are most commonly involved so are traditionally more at risk of harm by associated diseases, predominantly due to inadequate precautions at earlier stages in their career. As well as doing everything within our power to protect our own employees, we’re keen to have a positive impact on everyone else in the construction industry that works with the material. The partnership with Mesothelioma UK is a strong foundation to do just that.’’
For further information, please contact:
Stuart Costello, Mick George: marketing@mickgeorge.co.uk
Tel. 01480 499 134
