PATIENTS affected by a cancer linked to exposure to asbestos will have access to more support to manage their illness thanks to a charity's help.

A second specialist nurse has been appointed at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to care for patients suffering from pleural diseases, including deadly mesothelioma.

The nurse has been funded by the Clydeside Action on Asbestos and will benefit patients throughout the West of Scotland.

Scotland has previously recorded the highest global incidence of the condition, with 175 cases diagnosed in 2014, according to the University of Glasgow.

Last year, a family was awarded almost £250,000 in a groundbreaking legal case after their mother died from second-hand exposure to asbestos.

Adrienne Sweeney contracted mesothelioma after coming into contact with dust from her husband’s overalls.

William Sweeney, from Paisley, worked at the Babcock & Wilcox boiler-making factory in Renfrew in the 1960s.

Phyllis Craig MBE, charity Director commented “The appointment of Laura McNaughton represents an enormous step forward for the care of men and women across the west of Scotland diagnosed with a range of pleural diseases, often linked to asbestos exposure, including, mesothelioma.

“It is a devastating illness and Scotland has particularly high levels of people living with this condition.

“ Laura’s medical knowledge of this illness, along with her professionalism and compassion, will be of huge help to victims and their families.”

Laura’s appointment was also welcomed by Dr Kevin Blyth, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine, who specialises in pleural disease and, in particular, mesothelioma.

He said: “Having a specialist nurse in this area will be of huge help to me and my colleagues within the Pleural unit, as patients with this condition need dedicated and specialist care.”