Ipswich hospital has received high praise from a grateful patient who credits the hospital with “saving his life”. 

Buzz Rodwell, 73, said that he had been feeling “off-colour”, and was persuaded by his family to visit the hospital. 

“I proceeded to lose consciousness, and was diagnosed with kidney failure and ‘four flags for sepsis,’” explained Mr Rodwell.

Ipswich Star: Buzz Rodwell is a retired writer of fiction and drama who now lives in Ipswich. Credit: Buzz RodwellBuzz Rodwell is a retired writer of fiction and drama who now lives in Ipswich. Credit: Buzz Rodwell (Image: Buzz Rodwell)

“I was taken into Triage and the nurse, who took my blood, immediately recognised how dangerous my situation was and fast-tracked me through the process of admitting me to Critical Care,” he explained. 

“I can't speak too highly of the Critical Care unit at the hospital, where I had one-to-one nursing and was immediately put on to sedation and oxygen. The staff on Critical Care were incredibly supportive to my family.” 

Mr Rodwell, who is originally from London before moving to Ipswich, spent two days in intensive care, before being transferred to Debenham Ward where he spent the next three weeks. 

Ipswich Star: Mr Rodwell spent almost the whole of February in Ipswich Hospital. Image: Sarah Lucy Brown (Newsquest)Mr Rodwell spent almost the whole of February in Ipswich Hospital. Image: Sarah Lucy Brown (Newsquest) (Image: SLB (Newsquest))

“I asked the staff on ICU if they knew what happened to patients who left their care and they said often as not they never heard any more,” he said. 

“So, thank you ICU for saving my life by recognising my state of health and acting immediately; no hold-ups, emergency treatment and I was informed that without their action, I would have died that night. 

“I don't really want to "isolate" any particular staff or wards as they have all been superb, going beyond the call of duty, caring and protective, and basically saving and maintaining my life, as they continue to do.” 

Mr Rodwell was discharged earlier this month, but still receives dialysis three days a week as an out-patient.  

He added: “I would like to say to the staff of Ipswich Hospital, and therefore the NHS as a whole, thank you for my life and continued health.”