A FORMER mental health nurse believed he contracted an asbestos-related cancer when he worked at Storthes Hall psychiatric hospital, an inquest heard yesterday.
Paschal Thomas Dundon, 80, of Grosvenor Way, Lepton, worked at the Kirkburton institution for more than 25 years from the late 1960s.
Mr Dundon died in Kirkwood Hospice on January 10 this year.
After he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, in February 2011, he compiled a statement saying he believed he had been exposed to asbestos at Storthes Hall where he was also a member of the volunteer fire service.
He also recalled that pipes in the hospital basement were lagged with asbestos, the Huddersfield hearing was told.
Pathologist Dr Richard Knights, who carried out a post-mortem examination, found that Mr Dundon died of a haemorrhage caused by thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder.
The cancer was a secondary cause.
Assistant deputy coroner Dr Dominic Bell recorded a natural causes verdict.
