2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P2.23. The Role of The Mesothelioma UK Nurse Increases the Number of Patients Accessing Legal Representation, Financial Entitlement.

P2.23. The Role of The Mesothelioma UK Nurse Increases the Number of Patients Accessing Legal Representation, Financial Entitlement. - PDF(Abstract)

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This study examines the impact of the Mesothelioma UK Nurse on the number of patients accessing legal representation and financial entitlement. The Mesothelioma UK Nurse is responsible for providing written information to patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Kent, UK, and referring them to asbestos charities HASAG or LASAG for legal support and compensation. <br /><br />The study compares data from two years, one in which the Mesothelioma UK Nurse was absent and one in which they were present. In the year without the nurse, only 49% of the diagnosed patients were referred to HASAG or LASAG. However, in the year with the nurse, 90% of the diagnosed patients were referred to these charities. This increase highlights the importance of the nurse's role in increasing access to legal representation and benefits. <br /><br />The study concludes that without legal awards, patients may not be able to access non-NHS funded treatments. Therefore, regular contact with patients, families, and carers regarding their legal representation and compensation status should be encouraged. The findings suggest that new staff should be educated on the importance of referring patients for legal support and benefit information. <br /><br />Overall, the presence of the Mesothelioma UK Nurse has significantly increased the number of patients and carers accessing legal representation, benefits, and compensation through asbestos charities. This has important implications for future practice, emphasizing the need for regular communication and support for patients and their families during the difficult time of diagnosis.

Asset Subtitle

Louise Gilham

Meta Tag

Speaker Louise Gilham

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Nursing & Allied Health

Keywords

Mesothelioma UK Nurse

legal representation

financial entitlement

asbestos charities

diagnosed patients

access

increase

non-NHS funded treatments

regular contact

compensation status