A formal consultation process on a new asbestos bill has begun.

The bill has been designed to re-claim the medical costs of treating people who suffer from asbestos-related diseases.

If approved, the Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Scotland) Bill would allow the NHS to reclaim significant costs associated with caring for people who contracted industrial diseases like Mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Currently within Scottish law, there is provision for the NHS to claim from insurers the costs of treating those involved in accidents, but no recovery system yet exists for those who have contracted industrial diseases. It is understood the bill would enable the NHS to recoup the costs from insurance companies who have already settled civil claims with victims, with the costs of treatment will be calculated from a patient's initial diagnosis.

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Supporting the bill, Phyllis Craig MBE, Chair of Clydeside Action on Asbestos, said: "We are urging Civic Scotland and wider society to engage with our consultation to make clear their views. It is widely accepted that the number of people being diagnosed with asbestos conditions is increasing placing an ever greater burden on the NHS and palliative care services.

"The responsibility for meeting these costs rests with the employers who exposed their staff to asbestos. It is only just that the employers and their insurers have to meet the costs of care that result from their negligence."

The bill will be taken forward as a members bill at Holyrood by MSP Stuart McMillan.

(JP/IT)