8
people admitted to hospital every day in Scotland with acute pancreatitis
Over 3,000 hospital admissions each year. A condition that is common, serious, and widely misunderstood.
3,000+
Admissions per year
0
Dedicated charities - until now
84
Days our founder spent in ICU
What we do
Four pillars.
One mission.
We work across education, advocacy, research, and support to transform how pancreatitis is recognised, treated, and talked about in Scotland.
Education
Patient factsheets, GP awareness guides, and community talks that help people recognise symptoms early and understand their diagnosis.
Advocacy
Giving patients a voice in Scottish healthcare policy, pushing for faster diagnosis pathways, and challenging the stigma around this condition.
Research
Partnering with clinicians to advance understanding of pancreatitis outcomes in Scotland and support evidence-based improvements in care.
Support
Building a community where patients and families can find practical help, share experiences, and know they are not alone.
The story behind this charity
In March 2022, Brian Wands was admitted to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride with severe acute pancreatitis before being transferred to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He spent 84 days in intensive care, four weeks in a coma, and received over 100 units of blood in a single emergency operation. He was in hospital for seven months.
When he was well enough to look for support, he searched 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 the need for a dedicated pancreatitis charity in Scotland. Through their discussions, they decided to create one. John Jellema, Brian's brother-in-law who witnessed first hand the impact on Brian and the family, volunteered his expertise as Treasurer. Together they founded Pancreatitis Scotland, registered as a SCIO on 7 May 2026 - so that no one in Scotland has to face this condition without information, support, or a voice.
"When I was in hospital, I searched for a Scottish pancreatitis charity. There wasn't one."
Who we are
Led by those who know this condition
Miss Maria Coats
Chair
Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Maria brings frontline clinical expertise to everything we do.
Brian Wands
Secretary
Patient advocate and technologist. Brian's lived experience ensures the patient voice is central to education, advocacy, and support.
John Jellema
Treasurer
Finance and business professional ensuring every pound raised is managed with transparency, accountability, and care.
What is pancreatitis?
The pancreas is a small organ most people never think about - until something goes wrong. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and what to do if you or someone you know is affected.
Help us change this
Whether you donate, volunteer, or share our story - you help ensure no one in Scotland faces pancreatitis without support.