PATIENTS, colleagues and friends of a hospital consultant who died suddenly at the age of 47 have paid tribute to his life and career.

Phillip Hagan, a obstetrician, gynaecologist and clinical tutor at Southend Hospital, died unexpectedly, leaving a wife and three children.

Among comments posted on this story is one from Lianne Larthe of Leigh. She said: "Mr Hagan looked after me while I was pregnant last year with my son.

"I was a nervous wreck as my daughter had died at six days old due to a problem during pregnancy in 2006.

"Mr Hagan helped me through such a worrying nine months and ensured my son was born a picture of health in October 2007.

"Mr Hagan's death is such a sad loss. He was a very professional and caring man. I am expecting again and was very much looking forward to seeing him again. Our heart goes out to his family."

Nidhi Tripathi, who worked alongside Mr Hagan at the hospital, said her friend had a real passion for the training of younger colleagues.

She said: “He always found time to talk to the medical staff, to try to resolve the issues they had and be supportive in accessing additional funding and training where needed.

“This passion for teaching was also evident to all who met him, including midwives, nurses and support staff.”

Staff said Mr Hagan, who worked at the hospital from October 2001, was instrumental in establishing the early pregnancy unit.

His collaboration with the renowned Foetal Medical Foundation, at King’s College Hospital in south London, also led to his work being included in an international research paper. Ms Tripathi added: “He will be sadly missed by all hospital staff, his students and his patients.”

It is not yet known why Mr Hagan died.