Baby Survives Overdose Error at Glasgow Hospital

In March 2025, an infant named Zohan underwent hernia surgery at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Tragically, doctors mistakenly administered a 20ml injection of paracetamol, which was ten times the correct 2ml dose, to manage his post-operative pain. Immediate treatment with acetylcysteine was given, and Zohan survived the overdose, but his parents, Hira and Ahad Ul Hassan, have been warned of potential long-term physical or mental health issues.

As of January 27, 2026, Zohan is developing, but at a slower rate than his peers, with concerns about his eyesight. His parents express worry about the unknown future impact of the overdose. This incident is not isolated; investigations into similar accidental paracetamol overdoses by medical staff in the NHS have revealed a concerning trend.

Reports detail cases like that of Jacqueline Green, who died from liver failure in September 2023 after receiving excessive paracetamol doses due to staff failing to check her weight. Similarly, an elderly patient named Dora died in 2025 after her paracetamol dose was not reduced despite her low body weight. These cases have led to recommendations for technological solutions, such as software that requires patient weight entry before dispensing medication, and 'smart' hospital beds that automatically record patient weight.

The Royal Hospital for Children has conducted an internal review, acknowledging a failure to check Zohan's dosage correctly. While an apology has been issued and arrangements for a follow-up meeting are being made, Zohan's father is pursuing legal action, feeling a lack of guidance on monitoring his son's development and potential signs of damage.