A 52-year-old mother from Scotland died weeks after her arm was amputated, with her family alleging that early warning signs were dismissed by medical staff as simple bruising — and even mistaken for newspaper ink.

Lorraine Pettie, a former chef and diabetic, first noticed her fingers on her right hand changing colour in October. Initially believing it to be bruising caused by routine finger-prick blood tests, her condition rapidly worsened as the discolouration spread across her hand.

Early concerns allegedly dismissed

According to her daughter, Nadia Pettie, Lorraine sought urgent medical care at a hospital in Edinburgh. However, X-rays reportedly showed no fractures, and clinicians concluded the issue was bruising. Nadia said staff even suggested the marks might be ink transferred from old newspapers.

“She didn’t read newspapers,” Nadia told media outlets, adding that once scans ruled out broken bones, her mother was sent home. “They weren’t really interested after that.”

Condition worsens rapidly

Lorraine’s condition continued to deteriorate. When she was later taken to another hospital, doctors confirmed her hand had become necrotic — meaning the tissue had died due to a lack of blood supply caused by a blood clot. She was rushed to the Royal Infirmary, where surgeons attempted to remove the clot, before being transferred to St John’s Hospital in Livingston.

Doctors later amputated her right arm after discovering the necrosis had spread internally.

Family questions missed diagnosis

Lorraine spent around a month in hospital and was later discharged home, but her health declined further. She died in her sleep on December 28. The family was told the cause of death was heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia, but relatives believe the amputation marked a turning point.

Her sister, Alexis Pettie, said the progression was “rapid and frightening”, adding, “I’m astounded they missed it.”

Nadia said earlier intervention could have saved her mother’s arm — and possibly extended her life.

A spokesperson for NHS Lothian said it had extended condolences to the family and would engage with them directly regarding the case.