THE grieving family of a mother-of-two who died from blood poisoning after scratching her hand in the garden told how warning signs were tragically missed.

Lucinda Smith, 43, from Billericay, began to experience pain in her shoulder shortly after hurting the back of her hand while out gardening.

She went to see her GP, who allegedly sent her home with a prescription and told her to visit a physiotherapist.

Mrs Smith’s condition quickly deteriorated.

She returned to The New Surgery, in Shenfield Road, Brentwood, two days later and was immediately sent to Basildon Hospital’s A&E department.

Mrs Smith, known as Lucy, was diagnosed with sepsis.

She died of a heart attack three days later after the blood poisoning caused her organs to fail.

Her sister Caroline Smith, 49, has now launched a campaign in a bid to prevent further deaths from sepsis.

She said: “It was her daughter Megan’s ninth birthday yesterday and she should have been here for that.

“It is such a waste of a young life. Lucy was a fit and healthy young woman.

“She was such a lovely girl who had so much more to give. Her family are devastated.”

She believes her sister would have survived if her symptoms had been spotted earlier.

Caroline added: “I really do think that if the sepsis had been picked up earlier, there would have been a positive outcome for Lucy.

“When she was taken to hospital, we all thought that she would survive and get better.

“The GP should have done simple tests that would have shown that there was something wrong.

“If you know the signs, ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and heart rate if you are concerned. Or ask the hospital to do a blood test if you are worried.”

“We can’t change what happened to Lucy. We have to move forwards.

“If just one person realises they have sepsis and is saved, that will be enough.

“I think Lucy would appreciate what we are doing.”

The Echo contacted the surgery for comment did not receive a response.