Diabetic man, 36, died in hospital after he was given a 'fatal dose of another patient's medication'

  • Martin Weldon was being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow 
  • Suffered a diabetic hypoglycaemia in May, leaving him with a severe brain injury 
  • Had been 'making progress' but died on Saturday, two days after 36th birthday 

A man died at Scotland's largest hospital after he was allegedly given a fatal dose of another patient's medication.

Martin Weldon had been in intensive care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow since May after a diabetic hypoglycaemia - caused when blood sugar drops too low - left him with a severe brain injury.

The 36-year-old's family were twice told that his machines would be switched off but his sister Keeleigh said Martin, 'defied the odds and proved the doctors wrong' both times.

Mr Weldon, from Dumbarton, was 'making progress' after four months of treatment, although he still faced having to learn to walk and talk again.

But on Saturday, just two days after his 36th birthday, he died in hospital after allegedly being administered medication in error.

Martin Weldon, 36, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow where he was being treated for a diabetic hypoglycaemia. Pictured here in June when he was allowed out of the hospital in his wheelchair to get some fresh air

Martin Weldon, 36, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow where he was being treated for a diabetic hypoglycaemia. Pictured here in June when he was allowed out of the hospital in his wheelchair to get some fresh air

In a statement posted online on Saturday, Mr Weldon's father Martin said: 'Today we lost my son Martin. After making progress in hospital he passed away due to staff negligence.

'I would like to take the time to thank his real friends and family who have been there for Martin in the past few months.

'Funeral arrangements will follow, thanks. Myself and family would appreciate time to grieve for now.'

Mr Weldon's sister Keeleigh, who walked 100km in July to raise awareness around brain injuries and diabetes, added: 'We are grieving and supporting the police investigation. We will comment further when the investigation is over.'

Mr Weldon's father blamed the death on 'staff negligence'. The 36-year-old diabetic was allegedly given a fatal dose of another patient’s medication

Mr Weldon's father blamed the death on 'staff negligence'. The 36-year-old diabetic was allegedly given a fatal dose of another patient's medication

In a statement to MailOnline, a spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mr Weldon's family and loved ones as they mourn his loss.

'After immediately notifying the procurator fiscal, the circumstances around Mr Weldon's death are now subject to an ongoing police investigation.

'As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further. We continue to work with relevant authorities and remain committed to engaging with the family as investigations progress.'

Police confirmed they are now investigating the death.

A spokesman said: 'On Saturday, August 13, police were made aware of the unexpected death of a man at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

'The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.'

What is a hypoglycaemia? 

A hypoglycaemia, or hypo, is when your blood sugar level is too low, usually below 4mmol/L.

While diabetes tends to be a problem of high blood sugar levels, the medication some people with diabetes take can also cause their sugar levels to go too low, which can become dangerous.

The main symptoms associated with hypoglycaemia are sweating, fatigue and dizziness.

Mild hypoglycaemias do not usually cause significant long-term health problems unless they occur very regularly or for long periods of time.

These hypos can usually be treated by the individual and are to be expected to some degree in people on insulin. 

Severe hypoglycaemia, however, can lead to immediate danger if not treated immediately. Whilst rare, severe hypos can potentially lead to coma and death.

 Source: Diabetes.co.uk

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