ONE of the best-known characters at Ipswich hospital during the 1970s and 80s has died after suffering a heart attack.Pat Wood was the sister in charge of the casualty department for most of those two decades - and she was also known for her passion for music and sailing.

ONE of the best-known characters at Ipswich hospital during the 1970s and 80s has died after suffering a heart attack.

Pat Wood was the sister in charge of the casualty department for most of those two decades - and she was also known for her passion for music and sailing.

She was born Ivy Gertrude Francis Watson on August 31, 1927 - but as a child decided Pat suited her Tomboy lifestyle better and was known as that all her life.

In 1947 she was part of a Sea Ranger crew that delivered a Christmas turkey to the Cork Lightship and during the early 1950s, she was an instructor in the underwater swimming discipline for the Ipswich Subaqua Club, and taught at the National Schools Sailing Association in Shotley.

She was a member of Civil Defence and the St. John Ambulance Association, which guided her into a career of nursing.

After suffering a head injury in the 1990s, Mrs Wood refocused her attentions to her other love: music.

She played in many local groups including the Suffolk Concert Band, the Hospital Band and the Community Light Orchestra.

Mrs Wood leaves a son, Chris, granddaughter Amanda and great-granddaughter Larina.

Chris Wood said his mother knew many people and her loss would be felt across the community.

“She was involved in so many activities, especially the music and sailing world - and of course so many people knew her after passing through her hands in the casualty department at hospital.”

Mrs Wood was today being laid to result in a woodland burial ground at Wrabness - overlooking the River Stour where she taught many youngsters how to sail a boat.