Scots con almost dies after bungling jail nurse gave her methadone meant for lag with same first name
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A PRISONER almost died of an overdose after an NHS nurse gave her methadone meant for another lag.
The woman, 24, thought to be a non-drug user, is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest due to the devastating mistake at Polmont jail near Falkirk.
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Methadone is a substance that acts on opioid receptors and is primarily used for pain relief and anesthesia.
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The accidental overdose happened at Polmont nick in Stirlingshire
Credit: Michael Schofield - The Sun Glasgow
She received life-saving treatment in an ambulance on her way to hospital, a jail insider said.
It's claimed the mix-up occurred because the victim had the same first name as another prisoner who it was intended for.
Health chiefs have launched a probe to find out how the bungle came about.
A source said of Friday's horror at HMP Polmont near Falkirk: 'The girl has been very lucky as that amount of methadone can be fatal — it was a terrible mistake.
'It seems the nurse got the names mixed up and gave the medication to the wrong person.
'Both women apparently have the same name.
"One is a drug user and one isn't.
'Once she became unwell an ambulance was called but there was a delay, and on her way to hospital she suffered a cardiac arrest.
'She has been in hospital since.
"Basically she was overdosed by the nurse.
'Everyone is talking about it and how bad this is.'
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Methadone is a strong synthetic drug similar to morphine prescribed to heroin users to help wean them off their addiction.
It reduces withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, shivering and cravings.
However, even a small dose can have devastating effects in those who have never used it.
Drugs 'pass time' for Polmont lags
POLMONT inmates are turning to drugs to help 'pass the time', we can reveal.
Prison inspectors found young lags are getting high when there is 'little to do', with those on remand particularly at risk.
Families of cons also told auditors last year of their 'constant worry' over bullying and drug use.
One lag said: 'Trips is how you get through it.' Others told inspectors they felt judged and 'treated like a junkie'.
According to the NHS, severe reactions include problems breathing and irregular, faster or slower than usual heartbeat.
Scottish Tory shadow minister for drugs Annie Wells MSP called the mix-up 'deeply alarming'.
She added: 'With drugs already rife behind bars, it is vital prisoners suffering from addiction receive the right support as part of their rehabilitation.
'SNP ministers must guarantee urgent measures to avoid this happening again.'
Scottish Labour justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill said: 'There must be an urgent investigation into this deeply worrying incident.
'Scotland's prisons are stretched to breaking point.
"This life-threatening mistake is a reminder of how badly things can go wrong.'
The Scottish Prison Service said: 'We do not comment on individuals.
"Healthcare is managed by NHS partners and we work closely with them to support those in our care.'
NHS Forth Valley said it was also 'unable to comment due to patient confidentiality.'
In 2021 it was announced that a drug used in a pilot scheme to help heroin-addicted lags was to be rolled out across Scotland.
Inmates receive an injection of Buvidal every 28 days instead of daily methadone tablets.
The Scottish Government said it had allocated £4million for the project after 'encouraging feedback' from the trial in jails.
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