My brother was in agony for days in jail before he died. It’s heartbreaking
Sister says lack of medical care led to ulcer death
Michael McQuaid
The family of a prisoner who died after developing a stomach ulcer claim his life could have been saved had the problem been diagnosed.
Stewart Glancy’s relatives say he had begged to see a doctor in the days before being found dead in his cell at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian.
MSP Monica Lennon, Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson, said the death “raises many questions”.
Mr Glancy, 38, of Hamilton, died on June 20 as he was nearing the end of a sentence for attempted housebreaking.
His family were told the cause of death was “unascertained” before tests revealed he suffered complications from a gastric ulcer.
His sister Christine said: “It’s heartbreaking to be told what he was going through. Why did he not get to see a doctor when he was in so much pain for so long?
“Stomach ulcers can be treated with medication. If it had been diagnosed, chances are he would have survived.”
Fellow prisoner James
Vance said he spoke to Mr Glancy three days before he died.
He said: “You could telll he was in pain. He said itt felt like someone was tryingg to pull his insides out.
“Staff have a duty of care.e. If he’d been taken to hospital,al, maybe his life would haveve been saved. But Stewart said staff thought he was making it up so he could get high on medication.”
Another inmate claimed dadof-three Mr Glancy could barely stand up hours before his death.
Kenny McMahon, 46, also from Hamilton, said: “Stewart was sitting in the dining area. He said he couldn’t move and had his hands over his kidneys. I could see he was in severe pain.
“He said he’d complained for a week and wanted to see a doctor but all he got was paracetamol.”
His family have instructed a lawyer to help them prepare for a Fatal Accident Inquiry.
Another relative said: “The prison told us he had stomach pains and staff were checking on him every 30 minutes. Knowing Stewart, if he had been in any sort of pain, he would have been shouting for help.”
MSP Lennon said the family shouldn’t have to endure a long wait for an FAI for answers.
She added: “Stewart Glancy’s unexpected death raises many questions. His family deserve answers. It ’ s impor tant to establish the facts, including whether he received prompt and appropriate medical attention.
“Families shouldn’t have to wait years for the outcome of a Fatal Accident Inquiry.”
Police Scotland conf irmed they are investigating.
A spok e sma n a dded : “Inquiries remain ongoing and the death is being treated as non-suspicious.”
The Crown Of f ice and Procurator Fiscal Service said the Glancy family will be updated on “significant developments”.
Fraser Munro, director at HMP Addiewell, said: “We are continuing to work with all relevant authorities.”