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Remembering Dr Habiba 'Bee' Hajallie

Dr Bee Hajallie, who was killed in a car accident. She is pictured inside looking at the camera.

Published 27 October 2022

Tributes have been paid to a consultant described as ‘inspiring and passionate’, following her death in a car accident.

Dr Habiba ‘Bee’ Hajallie, who worked with the frailty team, was involved in an accident on the M20 on Monday last week, while on her way to work.

Chief medical officer Dr Rebecca Martin said her loss would be felt throughout the Trust, but particularly by her team who have been left devastated by her sudden death.

She said: “My thoughts, and those of everyone at the Trust, are with Bee’s family and friends, particularly her partner Adam and her daughter Izzy.

“Bee was a fantastic doctor; compassionate and caring, whether you were her patient or her colleague.

“She was passionate about her speciality, but also about her team, and was a brilliant mentor. Many junior doctors have benefited from her knowledge and will go on to be better doctors because of her.”

Paula McAvinia, clinical lead, added: "Bee was an extraordinary person and a wonderful colleague. When you worked with Bee you felt that everything was achievable. You couldn't help but get swept up into that wave of 'let's do this'.

"Bee's reach throughout the hospital was far and wide and I believe that everyone who encountered Bee will have had a positive experience as she always had something to give. Her impact was powerful.

"She had recently stepped up to work as a consultant and her incredible ability belied her young years. She was a natural leader and mentor. She nurtured juniors and supported colleagues. She organised teams and was loved by all.

"Bee was very personable and warm and valued people and relationships. She was part of, and built a strong team and we loved working with her. Her loss is significant.

"However we have spoken about how we will channel Bee’s positivity to help us through this tragic time and continue to work to make her proud, so that she has a legacy that she and her family can be proud of and that will work for staff and patients, who Bee placed at the centre of all that she did."

During the height of the Covid pandemic, Bee stayed away from her family to protect them while she cared for our patients.

Kim Fittall, advanced clinical practitioner with the frailty team, worked with her on the wards.

She said: “Bee was inspiring and supportive from day one. She later became my mentor for my prescribing module and supported me through this and through a family bereavement. I truly could not have done it without her.

“Bee’s passion for frailty was admirable and definitely something to strive to achieve within my career.

“She was a key part of our very close team and is greatly missed. We are devastated by her loss, as an amazing colleague but also a good friend.”