Long-haul victim's family seek inquiry

Emma Christoffersen's parents call for an investigation

The parents of a 28-year-old woman who died from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after a long-haul flight from Australia have called for a public inquiry.

John and Ruth Christoffersen want a full investigation into the death of their daughter Emma, who died last October.

The Christoffersens, from Newport, south Wales, will urge Transport Minister Lord MacDonald on Wednesday to look at concerns about DVT in detail.

The minister has already held a summit with airlines to raise the issue.

John Smith MP: Bill's sponsor

The Christoffersen's demands for an inquiry are being supported by Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell and health experts.

Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith is also trying to introduce a private members' Bill to ensure airlines investigate and publicise the risks of long-haul flights.

Mr Smith took up the issue after the death of one of his own constituents - a 30-year-old police officer - resulting in his campaign to introduce his Air Travellers (Provision of Health Information) Bill.

Mrs Christoffersen said: "I want every air passenger to know the dangers of this condition.

At the moment there is no regulatory body responsible for the health of passengers

Dr Farrol Khan, director Aviation Health Institute

"We need a public inquiry to establish all the facts and hopefully save another family going through the same tragedy as ourselves."

Mr Farrol Khan, director of the Aviation Health Institute, said: "Since Ms Christoffersen's death there have been many cases which have come to light.

"It is time for the Government to hold a full public inquiry.

"At the moment there is no regulatory body responsible for the health of passengers or specific health warnings for them."

Mr Smith has urged passengers and families of people who have suffered DVTs - the formation of a blood clot which can completely block the flow of blood - to take action through the courts.

Thomas Lamb died after a flight to Australia

Other UK passengers are also claimed to have died from DVT.

Sixty-eight-year-old Thomas Lamb, from Cardiff, developed a blood clot and died following a long-haul flight to Australia.

Susan Mavir-Ross, 42, from Llay in Wrexham, died after suffering a pulmonary thrombosis embolism at the end of the nine-hour flight.

It was obviously ridiculous to suggest people could avoid the risks by standing up during the flight and exercising their legs and feet when economy class passengers were virtually "pinned to their seats" during flights.

Airline representatives and scientists have met for the first time to try to gauge the possible health risks involved in long-haul travel.

The World Health Organisation held a two-day conference in Geneva to shed light on the potentially lethal risks.

Mr Smith's bill follows a voluntary move by British Airways to provide passengers with leaflets on health advice - including the risk of fatal blood clots.