“Hi Patrik and Intensive Care Hotline Support,

My husband ended up in ICU, after being found unconscious. X-rays showed he had aspirated into his right lung, and was put on a ventilator to support him whilst treating for pneumonia. This was quite a frightening time for me. I really didn’t know what was going on, or what should be going on in the ICU. The staff were quite friendly, but kept the discussions very simplistic. I felt powerless.

It wasn’t until I accessed Patrik Hutzel’s expertise that I started getting real answers. Not only was he willing to speak to staff directly, he told me what sort of questions to ask which would encourage the doctors to talk to me at a deeper level. My husband had been in ICU for two weeks and all measurements were showing he was good to be weaned off the ventilator (Patrik taught me what indicators to ask for). However, because of a previous failed extubation and general weak muscle tone, the doctors didn’t see it would be successful and were leaning towards a tracheotomy.

I was armed with all the right questions, and seeing my keenness to give it a go, they proceeded to take the tube out and put him on a bi-pap. Wonderfully it was successful, and significantly shortened any further stay in ICU. This moment was very crucial, as the longer my husband stayed in the ICU, the more weight and muscle he lost. I am so grateful for Patrik, as I feel it improved the outcome for my husband. Plus he metaphorically gave me a map and compass to navigate this very different experience.

I can happily say that my husband is now doing really well. Thank you to Patrik and his team.

Sincerely,

Jane”