Publish date: 8 July 2026
ICB funding to improve mesothelioma care across the North East
We are delighted to have received funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to improve specialist care and support for people living with mesothelioma across the North East.
Following the success of a pilot programme, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which hosts the regional mesothelioma multidisciplinary team (MDT), has secured ongoing funding to continue this important service. The MDT brings together specialists from across the region to discuss each patient's care, helping ensure everyone has access to expert advice and the best possible treatment.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year in the UK. Despite being rare, the UK has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world. Because most cases are caused by asbestos exposure, the disease is more common in areas with a history of heavy industry, including the North East.
Mesothelioma awareness stall at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care
As mesothelioma is uncommon, many healthcare professionals may only see a small number of patients during their careers. Without access to specialist expertise, the care people receive can vary depending on where they live. The regional MDT helps make sure patients across the North East receive consistent, high-quality care wherever they are treated.
Mesothelioma also brings challenges beyond the illness itself. Patients and families often need help with compensation claims, benefits and other practical issues linked to asbestos exposure. This funding will help ensure people are connected to the specialist support they need at the right time.
We are grateful to the ICB for supporting this important work and helping us improve the lives of people affected by mesothelioma across our region.
Leah Taylor wins the Golden Bronchoscope Award
Leah Taylor, who recently received the Golden Bronchoscope Award at the North of England Thoracic Society (NETS) Awards in recognition of her work developing the regional mesothelioma MDT, said:
"Every person diagnosed with mesothelioma deserves access to specialist care and support. This funding helps us bring expertise together and improve outcomes for patients and families across our region."