About Pancreatitis Scotland
Bringing together clinical expertise and patient advocacy to transform how pancreatitis is understood in Scotland.
Why Pancreatitis Scotland Exists
In March 2022, Brian Wands was admitted to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride with severe acute pancreatitis. He was transferred to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he spent 84 days in intensive care, four weeks in a coma, and underwent a single emergency operation requiring over 100 units of blood. He was in hospital for seven months. When he was well enough to search for support, he looked for a Scottish pancreatitis charity. There wasn't one.
Miss Maria Coats, the consultant hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon involved in Brian's care, had long recognised a gap in Scotland - there was no charity dedicated specifically to pancreatitis. A condition that affects over 3,000 Scots every year, yet has limited public awareness and a level of stigma that prevents many patients from seeking help. Most people have never heard of pancreatitis. Many GPs will see it only a handful of times in their entire career. Through their discussions, Brian and Maria decided to create the charity Scotland needed.
John Jellema, Brian's brother-in-law, had witnessed first hand the devastating impact pancreatitis had on Brian and the family. He volunteered his finance and business expertise to ensure the charity would be built on solid foundations. Together, the three founded Pancreatitis Scotland - combining frontline clinical expertise, lived experience, and professional governance. Our aim is to transform how pancreatitis is recognised, treated, and talked about across Scotland, so that no one has to face this condition alone.
Admitted to hospital
Brian Wands is admitted to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride with severe acute pancreatitis and transferred to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for specialist care.
84 days that changed everything
Brian spends 84 days in intensive care at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, four weeks in a coma, and undergoes multiple life-saving operations - including one emergency procedure requiring over 100 units of blood. He is in hospital for seven months. When he searches for a Scottish pancreatitis charity, he finds nothing.
A surgeon and a patient join forces
Miss Maria Coats, the consultant surgeon involved in Brian's care, had long recognised the need for a dedicated pancreatitis charity in Scotland. Through their discussions, Brian and Maria decide to create one. John Jellema, Brian's brother-in-law who witnessed first hand the impact on Brian and the family, volunteers his expertise as Treasurer. A constitution is drafted, policies written, and an application submitted to OSCR.
Officially registered
Pancreatitis Scotland is granted registration as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) by OSCR. Charity number SC055241. Three trustees - a surgeon, a patient, and a finance professional - lead a charity built on clinical credibility, lived experience, and transparent governance.
The work begins
Launching awareness campaigns, publishing patient education resources, engaging with healthcare professionals, establishing Scotland's first Pancreatitis Awareness Week, and building a community where patients and families can find support, information, and a voice.
Pancreatitis is common, serious, and poorly understood. We exist to change that.
Miss Maria Coats, Chair and Consultant Pancreatic Surgeon
Our Vision
A future where the profile of pancreatitis is raised across Scotland, improving understanding, encouraging early recognition, and driving compassionate care, research, and innovation that helps both save and improve lives.
Our Mission
To raise awareness and understanding of pancreatitis through education, advocacy, research, and collaboration, improving diagnosis, care, and quality of life for everyone affected in Scotland.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Compassionate
Every decision starts with the patient
Every decision we make starts with empathy for those living with pancreatitis and their loved ones.
Accessible
Clear language, no medical jargon
Information should be understandable by everyone, regardless of medical background or technical literacy.
Collaborative
Clinicians, researchers, and patients together
Real progress happens when diverse perspectives come together toward a shared goal.
Innovative
Modern tools for a modern charity
We use modern digital tools and data-driven thinking to amplify our impact beyond traditional methods.
Scottish
Rooted in Scottish healthcare
Rooted in Scotland, we understand the unique landscape of Scottish healthcare and communities.
Our Team
Meet the trustees leading Pancreatitis Scotland.
Miss Maria Coats
Chair
Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary with specialist expertise in complex pancreatic conditions. Maria brings deep clinical knowledge and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through education and early recognition.
Maria's surgical experience treating pancreatitis patients daily gives Pancreatitis Scotland a clinical credibility that few charities of this size can match.
Brian Wands
Secretary
Patient advocate, technologist, and pancreatitis survivor. In March 2022, Brian spent 84 days in intensive care and 7 months in Glasgow Royal Infirmary following severe acute pancreatitis. He received over 100 units of blood and spent 4 weeks in a coma.
Brian's lived experience drives everything the charity does - ensuring the patient voice is central to education, advocacy, and support. He also leads the charity's digital and operational strategy.
John Jellema
Treasurer
Finance and business professional bringing strategic expertise to ensure the charity operates with robust financial governance and transparency.
John ensures every pound raised is managed responsibly and in compliance with OSCR requirements, building trust with donors and funders alike.
Our Approach
Real change happens when different perspectives work together toward the same goal.
Clinical Expertise
Evidence-based medical knowledge guiding everything we do, from education materials to research priorities.
Patient Voice
Lived experience ensures our work addresses real needs and speaks in a language people understand.
Community Impact
Reaching people across Scotland through digital tools, local awareness, and grassroots partnerships.
Want to Help?
Whether you give your time, your expertise, or your support - you help build something Scotland has needed for a long time.
Get Involved