MP demands debate after DVT death

Published on 05/09/2003 01:00

THE MP of an Edinburgh woman who died from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has promised to raise the issue in the House of Commons.

Despite receiving medication from her GP, Carolanne Douglas, 43, from Ratho Station, collapsed and died from DVT - also known as economy class syndrome - a week after her return flight from a holiday Turkey. Her husband has already called for a full inquiry.

Her local MP, John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today

pledged to write to the Speaker of the House of Commons when Parliament returns from the summer recess next week, asking for a full debate on the issues surrounding the illness.

He said: "It is estimated that one in ten people who fly long distance develop blood clots which have the potential to lead to deep vein thrombosis. The death of Mrs Douglas has been a tragic reminder of the impact of DVT, which all too often is not taken seriously enough.

"When I challenged the Prime Minister about this last year, he said passengers should follow the medical advice available. However, airlines are not required by law to provide such information on their flights and any changes are unlikely to come before the conclusion of the World Health Organisation’s study in 2004.

"In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of people will develop potentially life-threatening blood clots.

"The Government must demand that airlines provide advice on every long distance flight on the known ways to reduce DVT and issue new regulations to increase the distance between passenger seats."