Ms Johnston began her nursing career in 1977 and had no known history of asbestos exposure outside her workplace. She believes her only possible exposure was through her job. 

 

During the 1970s and 1980s, she lived in nursing accommodation on the Royal Victoria Hospital site, some of which was built in the early 1950s and later earmarked for demolition. In 2015, a private contractor carried out asbestos removal work on some of the blocks. 

Her health issues began in November 2021, when she experienced persistent breathlessness but struggled to obtain a diagnosis. Her condition worsened, leading to a collapse at work due to severe chest pain. Further scans confirmed she had mesothelioma, a disease she had never encountered in her decades as a nurse. 

Following her diagnosis, Ms. Johnston instructed industrial disease specialists at Thompsons NI Solicitors to investigate her exposure. The firm, which also represents other former healthcare workers diagnosed with mesothelioma and has spoken to multiple witnesses who raised concerns about asbestos in the Royal Victoria Hospital, is now bringing legal action against the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. 

Thompsons NI Solicitors is seeking compensation to support Ms Johnston’s treatment, care needs, and financial security. Her case also highlights the ongoing risks of asbestos in public buildings, particularly for healthcare workers and patients. 

Leontia Drain, an asbestos lawyer at Thompsons NI Solicitors who is representing Ms Johnston, emphasised the wider implications of the case: "Monica dedicated decades of her life to caring for others, only to now be facing a terminal illness. We are in the early stages of bringing a claim against the Trust, where she spent a significant portion of her career. 

"Our goal is to secure compensation that will provide her and her family with financial security, access to treatments that could extend her life, and funding for her ongoing care needs. 

"Mesothelioma is a devastating illness for which there is no cure. All risks posed by asbestos in public buildings must be identified and managed as a matter of urgency to protect both workers and the public." 

 

Between 2014 and 2023, Northern Ireland recorded 699 asbestos-related deaths. BBC News NI has reported that since 2019, more than £10 million has been spent on asbestos removal from hospitals and healthcare buildings.  

BBC News NI also reported that the Belfast HSC Trust has confirmed that 148 of its sites still contain asbestos but maintains that they are classified as "low risk." The Department of Health states that all organisations must comply with strict asbestos regulations. However, concerns remain about historical asbestos exposure and the potential dangers still present in public healthcare settings. 

Ms. Johnston hopes that speaking out will raise awareness of the dangers healthcare workers may unknowingly face. She believes many in the profession are unaware of the risks posed by asbestos in older hospital buildings and wants to ensure better protections for current and future staff. 

She said: "It's too late for me, and this isn’t about scaremongering, but I want people to be aware of the risks out there. If speaking out helps even one person avoid this illness, then it’s worth it."  

Ms Johnston’s legal team is also looking to speak to anyone who may have worked with her at the hospital and who may have information about the working conditions. 

Liz Darlison MBE, the CEO of Mesothelioma UK, added: "We are deeply sorry to hear about Mrs Johnson’s diagnosis. It is incredibly distressing to think that someone dedicated to caring for others was unknowingly exposed to such a deadly substance. Her courage in sharing her story is truly commendable.  

"At Mesothelioma UK, we have seen a rising number of calls from people concerned about past asbestos exposure, highlighting how growing media attention is bringing this crisis into the public eye. But awareness alone is not enough. 

"It is time for a radical change—a cross-party commitment to fully reviewing asbestos policy in the UK. Thousands of people are dying every year from an entirely preventable cancer. This cannot continue. We urge the government to act now.”