Family tribute to former Ipswich Lattice Barn Surgery GP David Robertson-Campbell
David and Peggie Robertson-Campbell with children Venetia, Catriona, Fiona and David. Picture: FAMILY CONTRIBUTED - Credit: FAMILY CONTRIBUTED
Tributes have been paid to a well-respected retried Ipswich GP who has died aged 94.
Dr David Robertson-Campbell. Picture: FAMILY CONTRIBUTED - Credit: FAMILY CONTRIBUTED
Dr David Robertson-Campbell was a senior partner at the former Lattice Barn Surgery in Woodbridge Road East for nearly 40 years.
Passionate about the NHS, Dr Robertson-Campbell was discussing concerns about the Ipswich and Colchester hospitals merger just the day before his death.
Dr Robertson-Campbell was born and educated in Edinburgh before attending Oxford University to study medicine during the war.
He trained at St Mary’s Hospital, London and went on to do his National Service as medical officer at Eaton Hall Officer Cadet School in Cheshire.
Dr David Robertson-Campbell. Picture: FAMILY CONTRIBUTED - Credit: FAMILY CONTRIBUTED
Arriving in Ipswich as a locum in the early 1950s, Dr Robertson-Campbell lived in Paget Road in the town for more than six decades.
He and his wife Peggie, who died last January aged 92, were married for 65 years and had four children: Venetia, Catriona, Fiona and David.
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Describing her father, Venetia said: “His main characteristics were his dedication to the welfare of his patients, sailing and an enduring interest world events.”
Dr Robertson-Campbell raised his children to see men and women as equal, Venetia said.
Fiona said numerous Christmas dinners were interrupted by Dr Robertson-Campbell putting down his knife and fork to attend to a patient in need.
Dr Robertson-Campbell, who died suddenly at home on January 22, was known for being resourceful in an emergency, Venetia said.
One night he was called out to a woman in labour in rural Suffolk. When a power cut plunged the house into darkness, Dr Robertson-Campbell found a searchlight used during his sailing trips in the boot of his car and delivered the baby safely.
On another occasion, he encountered a car crash while he was off duty. The driver was trapped with his feet wedged under the pedals, so Dr Robertson-Campbell used the Swiss Army knife he always carried in his pocket to cut the motorist’s shoelaces so he could be pulled free.
Along with his GP work, Dr Robertson-Campbell was medical officer for Fisons in Felixstowe and later chairman of the magistrates’ court in Ipswich.
He worked for the Elizabeth Finn Trust and was on the board that set up the retirement complex at Grove Court, Woodbridge.
Dr Robertson-Campbell supported charities including The Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children; Royal Medical Benevolent Fund; and Ipswich Rotary Club, where he and Peggie would help with the annual Orwell Walk.
Keen sailor Dr Robertson-Campbell moored his boat Rutlander at Woolverstone.
He was a member of Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone, where his memorial will be held on February 23 after his funeral.
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