Parents sue over daughter's death

Kasia died three years ago of a heart condition

The parents of a schoolgirl who died of an undiagnosed heart condition are to sue County Durham education chiefs for failing to tell them she was ill.

Kasia Ber, 17, died at her home in Horden, in 2005 after being "shocked" by the ring of a mobile phone.

Weeks before her death, staff at Byron Sixth Form College took her to a GP, but her parents John and Diane were not informed at Miss Ber's request.

At the time Durham County Council found the school had acted correctly.

Staff at the Peterlee-based school took Miss Ber to a doctor on 14 December 2005 when she suffered palpitations.

She was diagnosed with stress, but did not want the incident to worry her parents and asked her teachers to keep the news to themselves.

It is understood the school was following a House of Lords ruling known as the Gillick Principle.

This means parents do not need to be informed about medical visits and health problems if the child does not want them to know.

Miss Ber died at home on 28 December.

Subsequent tests showed she had the genetic disorder Long QT syndrome, which is treated with beta blockers.

An internal investigation found school staff had acted appropriately.

Neil Charlton, head of business support services for children and young people's services at Durham County Council, said: "We are very sorry that the parents feel it necessary to take legal action in the circumstances of the tragic death of their daughter.

"As there is the possibility of legal action being taken it would not be appropriate for the county council to comment further."