NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has received a heartfelt letter of commendation from Brian Wands, a former patient whose life was saved thanks to the extraordinary care provided by teams at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI).
Brian endured a prolonged, life-threatening illness beginning in 2022 and recently completed his care under the hospital’s Nutrition Team in September 2025. His recovery followed a seven-month admission that included 84 days in intensive care, four weeks in a coma, multiple life-saving operations, and a 95-unit blood transfusion.
In his letter, 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 credited the multi-disciplinary effort spanning intensive care, high dependency, and wards 64, 65, and 66 for saving his life and enabling him to return to his family and his role as Chief Technology Officer.
Among those singled out for special recognition were:
• Mr Euan Dickson, Consultant Surgeon – praised for surgical skill and calm leadership during critical operations.
• Dr Tara Quasim, Intensive Care Consultant – commended for unwavering presence during Brian’s sickest hours and compassionate support for his family through the InS:PIRE clinic.
• Mr Phil Stevens, Consultant Surgeon – acknowledged for managing complex nutritional care and leading recovery surgery.
• Miss Fiona Leitch, Consultant Surgeon – recognised for persistence and attention to detail in resolving complex issues.
• Caroline and the Nutrition/Dietetics Team – thanked for their expertise and empathy throughout a three-year recovery.
• Jill Meldrum and the Physiotherapy Team – credited with helping Brian regain mobility after weeks in a coma.
• Lesley Tough, Staff Nurse – praised for professionalism, encouragement, and emotional support during long months of care.
Brian also expressed gratitude to 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.
Reflecting on his recovery, 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.”
He highlighted the role of the InS:PIRE clinic, which provided innovative aftercare for him and his family, and expressed a strong wish to give back through fundraising, patient education, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
Today, Brian is enjoying milestones he never thought possible: practising Pilates daily, holding a five-minute plank, and even returning to the tennis court. His family is preparing for their first holiday in three years—a testament to the life-changing care delivered at GRI.
