Tribute to former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman

Commenting on the recent death of Jeane Freeman, the former Cabinet Secretary for Health in Scotland, Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: 

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Jeane Freeman. The College was pleased to engage with Jeane on a regular basis during her time as Health Secretary. We found her to be a pragmatic politician who had a real awareness and understanding of the issues affecting the medical workforce and the impact of government policies on these challenges.

Jeane Freeman will be best remembered for her leadership role in the Covid-19 pandemic where she demonstrated a real dedication to public service in the most difficult of circumstances, something that has been rightly recognised by former colleagues from the health sector and from right across the political spectrum. 

On behalf of the College, I extend our sincere condolences to Jeane Freeman’s partner, family and friends.