Former Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman Passes Away Following Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
Scotland's former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman OBE has died at the age of 72, just weeks after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. The prominent politician passed away yesterday morning at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, with her long-term partner Susan Stewart by her side.
A Public Figure During Critical Times
Ms Freeman became nationally recognised for her leadership alongside former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the Covid-19 pandemic, appearing regularly on the daily televised briefings that guided Scotland through the unprecedented health crisis. She served as Health Secretary from mid-2018 until 2021, facing one of the most challenging periods in Scottish healthcare history.
Political Career and Early Challenges
Elected as an MSP in 2016, Freeman was initially put in charge of Scotland's new social security system before her promotion to Health Secretary. Within months of taking the health portfolio, she confronted significant challenges at the very hospital where she would later die, commissioning reviews and eventually a public inquiry into the scandal-hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
She provided candid evidence to multiple inquiries, including the ongoing Scottish Hospitals Inquiry and both the UK and Scottish Covid investigations, demonstrating her commitment to transparency and accountability.
From Nursing to Politics: A Varied Career
Born and raised in Ayrshire with two brothers, Freeman trained as a nurse after leaving school. Her political activism began early, starting with membership in the Communist Party's student wing before joining the Labour Party. In 1987, she founded the social justice charity Apex, work for which she received an OBE.
Her government experience began in 2001 as a special adviser in Jack McConnell's administration. Interestingly, she didn't join the SNP until after the 2014 independence referendum, later representing Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley in Holyrood between 2016 and 2021.
Personal Tributes and Final Days
Her partner of over 25 years, Susan Stewart, shared heartfelt words about Freeman's final days. 'Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on 13 January and we only had 25 days thereafter,' Stewart revealed. 'Days which she faced with enormous courage, care for others and love for me.'
Stewart praised hospital staff for their 'professional skill, care and sensitivity' and highlighted Freeman's recent volunteer work at the Beatson Centre, where she enjoyed taking round the tea trolley. 'She was my biggest supporter – constantly encouraging – and also fun, feisty and argumentative,' Stewart added. 'My life has been the better for her love. And I will miss her terribly.'
Cross-Party Political Tributes
Politicians from across the spectrum paid tribute to the former minister. First Minister John Swinney described Freeman as someone who 'devoted her life to serving the public' and noted her 'strong belief in the power of compassion.'
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, one of Freeman's closest friends, said: 'I last saw Jeane yesterday afternoon and though it was clear she didn't have long left, she still wanted to know how I was... That was the measure of the woman.'
Lord McConnell, who worked closely with Freeman, called her 'one of the most formidable public figures of her generation' – 'ferociously clever, fired by a strong sense of justice and an enduring commitment to public service.'
Recognition from Health Sector
Trade union Unison Scotland acknowledged Freeman's 'formidable understanding of the NHS,' with health spokesman Matt McLaughlin noting she was a 'tough negotiator but always wanted the best for NHS staff.' This recognition from healthcare professionals underscores her significant impact on Scotland's health system during both ordinary and extraordinary times.
The passing of Jeane Freeman marks the loss of a dedicated public servant whose career spanned nursing, charity work, and high-level politics, culminating in her leadership during one of Scotland's most severe public health emergencies.
