THE heartbroken family of a Greek heiress who died after being bitten by an insect have accused two UK hospitals of negligence and plan to take legal action.
Marissa Laimou, 28, was found dead at home in Knightsbridge, central London, on September 11.
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In the months before her death, Ms Laimou, known as Lemos, had overcome breast cancer and a rare blood disease.
Her family say she was ultimately turned away by two London hospitals, including one she was rushed to by ambulance, after complaining of feeling unwell with a high temperature and dizziness.
A relative told the Daily Mail: “They are going to go against them of course. This is 100 per cent negligence. Marissa is gone because of them.
“It would have been nothing to keep her one night. They could have monitored her, given her antibiotics, they would have saved her.
“She went to the right place for treatment. They should not have let her go.”
They also revealed the harrowing texts theatre actress Ms Laimou sent a pal as she sought treatment, with one saying: “Nobody is checking up on me, nobody is coming.”
She had begun feeling unwell on September 9 after returning to the UK after a summer holiday with her family on the Greek island of Porto Cheli.
Her temperature was recorded at 39C and as her condition worsened she took herself to a private hospital on London’s Harley Street where she had previously undergone chemo.
Due to the seriousness of her condition, an ambulance was called and Ms Laimou was blue lighted to an NHS hospital.
However, the family claim she was never examined by a doctor and following tests done by nurses, it was reportedly concluded she did not need to remain and was discharged a few hours later having been diagnosed with an insect bite.
Ms Laimou was found dead by her housekeeper the following morning.
The relative said her treatment in hospital amounted to “negligence”.
Her mother, Bessy, told Greek media that toxic shock caused by an insect bite killed her daughter, although it is currently unclear which type of insect bit her.
She added: “She was a girl with so many gifts, all of England is crying, all her doctors too.”
Relatives said the autopsy had not yet been carried out and would take about a week.
The NHS hospital involved has reportedly admitted that a serious mistake was made and has opened an internal investigation.
Ms Laimou aunt said the family would have no answers until the post mortem is completed.
Friends said Marissa had recently staged a production of Romeo and Juliet in London and was preparing another theatre project.
They described her as talented, modest and devoted to the arts after surviving breast cancer.
The Laimos family are one of the best known names in Greek shipping, with business roots stretching back to the early 20th century.
The Sun has contacted both hospitals for comment.
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