MSPs recruited in battle to avert DVT

THOUSANDS of deaths could be prevented by improving diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a family who lost their daughter to the condition told MSPs yesterday.

Gordon and Jane McPherson have been campaigning for better understanding of DVT since their daughter died in 2003.

The couple claim that Katie McPherson, who would have celebrated her 28th birthday this weekend, would still be alive today if doctors had spotted the condition in time.

Yesterday they were before the public petitions committee to call for standard procedures to be brought in to help doctors spot the condition.

The couple also want information leaflets to be given to all patients with symptoms of DVT and for newborn babies to be screened for a gene that can cause the condition.

Frank McAveety, the convener, said the committee would write to the NHS and medical experts to find out more about the condition before progressing.