I had the privilege of working alongside Dr Noel Connolly in Birmingham over a decade ago, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing at just 56 years of age.
Noel was an exceptional consultant in genitourinary medicine – a doctor whose kindness, professionalism, and clinical brilliance touched everyone he encountered. Patients and staff alike held him in the highest regard, drawn to his gentle manner and his gift for making people feel heard and valued.
One memory in particular captures the essence of who he was. After a difficult day when I was stressed following a disagreement with a managerial colleague, Noel gave me a lift from one of our clinics to the hospital where we were due to work together in our specialty clinic that day. Sensing my distress, he simply began telling me about his own day in that calm, gentle way of his. As I listened, my perspective shifted. I realized that what had upset me wasn't as significant as it had seemed, and that my frustration lay not with my colleague but with the situation itself. That was Noel – he had a remarkable ability to bring clarity and peace without ever being prescriptive or judgmental.
Beyond his clinical work, Noel made significant contributions to our specialty. He served with dedication as a member of BASHH, contributing to both the Clinical Governance Group and a Special Interest Group. His commitment to advancing standards of care and supporting his colleagues was unwavering.
Noel was never judgmental, always conscientious, and genuinely cared about the wellbeing of those around him – whether patients, colleagues, or friends.
My thoughts are with his family and all who loved him.
Kaveh Manavi
20/10/2025
