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Honouring the Spirit and Compassion of Dr. Bev

A photo of Dr. Bev in her office.
Dr. Beverley "Bev" Hattersley
“Bev was the most conscientious physician I have ever worked with in over 45 years in medicine,” says Dr. Richard Seeley, Chief of Complex Care, Aging and Palliative Care at St. Peter’s Hospital. “We have lost a dear friend and colleague, but I believe her spirit will still walk the halls of St. Peter’s Hospital and provide the guidance and love that she always displayed while working here.”
June 8, 2021
From the moment you met her, you knew she was someone special.

Dr. Beverley Hattersley preferred to be called “Dr. Bev.” Even though she was Medical Director of Palliative Care at St. Peter’s Hospital, she didn’t want to be placed on a pedestal of formality and she wanted to relate to you on a personal level.

Her level of compassion and empathy for patients and their families was truly inspiring. She treated everyone with the love and respect she would afford to someone from her own family – probably because she viewed everyone as a member of her extended human family.

“Dr. Bev was a shining light who developed deep and meaningful relationships with her patients, staff and colleagues,” says Kim Alvarado, Director of Oncology, Critical Care and Palliative Care at Hamilton Health Sciences. “She started her career as a nurse and never forgot her humble caring roots.”

After working as a neonatal nurse for many years, she returned to school at the age of 36 to become a doctor. In 2008, Dr. Bev became the Medical Director of Palliative Care at St. Peter’s Hospital, which was a position she held with dedication and pride.

“Dr. Bev was passionate about meeting the needs of her patients and their families,” says Dr. Ralph Meyer, Vice President of Oncology and Palliative Care at Hamilton Health Sciences. “She provided care with great compassion and motivated all those around her to do the same. She made St. Peter’s Hospital and Hamilton Health Sciences a better place and has left a legacy.”

Patients, families and colleagues have many fond memories of her kindness, patience and dry sense of humour. She was always there to provide a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold when things got tough. She was a rock to so many people – a rock with a heart of gold.

Dr. Bev often spoke about how lucky she was to have “the best job in the world.” Knowing that she was making a real difference in the lives of others inspired her every day.

The team at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bev on many initiatives over the years.

“We will always be grateful to Dr. Bev for her support and commitment to health care excellence and her patients,” says Pearl Veenema, Chief Executive Officer of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. “She was a valued friend of The Foundation who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

Sadly, Dr. Bev passed away on May 28, 2021. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love and compassion.

“Bev was the most conscientious physician I have ever worked with in over 45 years in medicine,” says Dr. Richard Seeley, Chief of Complex Care, Aging and Palliative Care at St. Peter’s Hospital. “We have lost a dear friend and colleague, but I believe her spirit will still walk the halls of St. Peter’s Hospital and provide the guidance and love that she always displayed while working here.”

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