News · 8 February 2026
Ex-Health Secretary Jeane Freeman dies aged 72 just 25 days after diagnosis
Former Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman died at 72, just 25 days after receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis on January 13. Serving as MSP from 2016 to 2021 and Health Secretary between 2018 and 2021, Freeman spearheaded Scotland's Covid-19 pandemic response. Her partner Susan Stewart confirmed she died in hospital following the sudden illness. Freeman previously directed Apex Scotland for 12 years and received an OBE in 1996 for rehabilitating offenders.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs