Distraught Family Seek Answers
The devastated family of a 15-year-old schoolgirl who died after contracting tuberculosis say they hope the inquest into her death will provide answers about what happened during her medical care.
Alina Sarag, from Birmingham, fought a prolonged battle with TB leaving her father, Sultan Sarag, and the rest of her heartbroken family desperate to find out why her life was tragically cut short. They contacted specialist medical law experts from Irwin Mitchell to help them find answers.
HM Coroner for Birmingham, Aidan Cotter, will hold the inquest, listed as a six-day hearing, starting at 10:00am on Monday 14th May, at Birmingham Coroner’s Court.
Alina was initially diagnosed with latent tuberculosis following an outbreak at her school in April 2009. After receiving treatment, it was believed that she had recovered from the disease.
Following a holiday to Pakistan in August 2010, Alina again fell ill with vomiting and went on to develop a persistent cough. Alina was admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on 6 January 2011 where a diagnosis of tuberculosis was made, but despite receiving emergency treatment, she sadly died later the same day.
Tom Riis-Bristow, a medical law expert with Irwin Mitchell solicitors is representing the family. He said: “It is a concern that Alina sought help from multiple key healthcare providers across Birmingham and no one was able to make the diagnosis.
Alina’s entire family have found it extremely hard to come to terms with what happened.
“Although nothing will bring Alina back, the family cannot begin to move on until they understand what happened and how this could have been missed. They very much hope that the inquest will shed light on the circumstances which led to her death.”
Note to Editors:
The inquest into the death of Alina Sarag begins at 10:00 am on Monday 14th May 2012, before HM Coroner for Birmingham, Aidan Cotter, at Birmingham Coroner’s Court, 50 Newton Street, Birmingham B4 6NE.
The family will be attending the inquest and any requests for interview should be directed via Helen Neuenhaus or Irwin Mitchell’s Press office.