A former hospital telephonist has died from fatal asbestos cancer. Her representatives are trying to find out more information about her exposure to the dust.

Jean Cooper, from Teignmouth, died in November this year just over a year after she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs.

There is no cure for the disease which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Following her diagnosis she instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.

Jean worked as a switchboard supervisor at Wonford Hospital

Jean, who was widowed, worked as a switchboard supervisor at Wonford Hospital on Barrack Road, Wonford in Exeter in 1973. The hospital was under construction at the time but has subsequently been demolished.

Her friend Howard Leach is the executor of her estate. He is calling on anyone who worked on the construction or maintenance of the hospital and knows how or where asbestos was used to contact Thompsons Solicitors.

Mr Leach said: “Jean was shocked when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. When the hospital was being built she walked alongside builders and she remembered that it was an extremely dusty environment. We’d like anyone who knows anything about the use of asbestos in the hospital to get in touch.”

Amanda Jones from Thompsons Solicitors added: “It is important we build up a picture of Mrs Cooper’s exposure to asbestos. We would be interested to speak to anyone who worked on the construction or subsequent maintenance of Wonford Hospital.”

Anyone who can help can contact Amanda Jones on 08000 224 224 or by email on: enquiries@thompsons.law.co.uk.