Brian Wands made an “extraordinary journey back to health” after spending more than seven months in hospital with a potentially fatal pancreas condition.
The care has allowed Brian to return to being a husband and dad(Image: NHSGGC)
A Scots dad who spent four weeks in a coma and 84 days in intensive care says he is “profoundly grateful” to the medics who saved his life. Brian Wands was diagnosed with pancreatitis in March 2022 after waking one night and “literally passing out” because of the pain in his stomach.
The prolonged, life-threatening illness left the 45-year-old at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride for six weeks before he was transferred to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI), where he remained for seven months, reports Glasgow Live. The father-of-two from Hamilton underwent multiple life-saving operations and a 95-unit blood transfusion.
He completed his care in September 2025 and says his life was saved thanks to the care provided by teams at the hospital. Reflecting on his health journey, Brian said: “Thanks to these teams, my wife still has a husband, my children still have their dad, and I have been able to return to my role.
“I think about what happened every single day. And I am profoundly grateful for everything that was done to save me.”
Brian Wands spent 84 days in intensive care due to the illness(Image: NHSGGC)
Brian is enjoying milestones he never thought possible including Pilates, holding a five-minute plank, and returning to the tennis court. His family is also preparing for their first holiday in three years – all thanks to the staff at GRI.
Writing a letter thanking staff for helping his recovery, Brian described the experience as “an extraordinary journey back to health, only made possible through the dedication and collective expertise of the hospital teams”. He hailed the efforts of staff spanning intensive care, high dependency, and wards 64, 65, and 66 for saving his life and allowing him to return to his family and role as a chief technology officer.
Brian also praised the wider hospital community, including ICU and HDU teams, nurses, healthcare support workers, dieticians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, theatre and recovery staff, porters, domestic and admin staff, radiology, and phlebotomy teams.
Brian has penned a letter thanking the staff at GRI(Image: NHSGGC)
Among those singled out for special recognition were Mr Euan Dickson, Consultant Surgeon who was praised for surgical skill and calm leadership during critical operations and Dr Tara Quasim, Intensive Care Consultant for unwavering presence during Brian’s sickest hours and compassionate support for his family.
Mr Phil Stevens, Consultant Surgeon was acknowledged for managing complex nutritional care and leading recovery surgery, while Miss Fiona Leitch, Consultant Surgeon was recognised for persistence and attention to detail in resolving complex issues.
Elsewhere, Caroline and the Nutrition/Dietetics Team were thanked for their expertise and empathy throughout a three-year recovery, and Jill Meldrum and the Physiotherapy Team were credited with helping Brian regain mobility after weeks in a coma.
Lesley Tough, Staff Nurse was praised for professionalism, encouragement, and emotional support during long months of care.