Jeane Freeman, Former Scottish Health Secretary, Dies at 72
Jeane Freeman, the Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who played pivotal roles as health secretary during the Covid-19 pandemic and as the architect of Scotland's first devolved social security system, has passed away at the age of 72. Her death marks the loss of a formidable public figure whose career spanned nursing, criminal justice, civil service, and politics, all driven by a deep-seated commitment to social justice and fairness.
A Varied Career Leading to Political Leadership
Born in Newton, Ayrshire, Freeman was the youngest of four children and the only daughter of George Freeman, an aircraft fitter and RAF veteran, and Annie, a nurse. Her upbringing instilled values of fairness and social responsibility, particularly an appreciation for the National Health Service. After initial nursing training, she studied sociology and politics at Glasgow College of Technology, becoming active in student politics and elected as the first woman to lead the National Union of Students in Scotland in 1979.
Her professional journey included working for the charity Apex, which assists people with criminal records in finding employment, earning her an OBE in 1996. She later joined the senior civil service in 1999 with the establishment of the Holyrood parliament, where she met her partner, Susan Stewart. Freeman served as a special adviser to Scottish Labour First Minister Jack McConnell, contributing to key projects like the NHS takeover of the Golden Jubilee hospital.
Political Ascent and Key Achievements
Disillusioned with the Blair government, Freeman left the Labour Party and her views on Scottish independence evolved, culminating in her support for the Yes campaign in the 2014 referendum. She co-founded the cross-party group Women for Independence in 2012, emphasizing women's voices in the debate. Her political mantra, "there's no such thing as a stupid question," reflected her approachable and inclusive style.
Persuaded by Nicola Sturgeon to stand for the SNP, Freeman was elected in 2016 for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley. Within weeks, she was appointed to establish Social Security Scotland, an agency based on principles of "dignity, fairness and respect," marking a radical departure from the UK Conservative model by recognizing social security as a human right and excluding private sector disability assessments.
Steering Through the Covid-19 Pandemic
Promoted to health secretary in June 2018, Freeman faced the immense challenge of the global pandemic. She regularly appeared at daily televised press conferences alongside Sturgeon, who praised her as "steadfast" and supportive. Her tenure was not without controversy, particularly regarding the decision to discharge elderly hospital patients to care homes without negative Covid tests in early 2020. Freeman acknowledged the anger of bereaved relatives, stating she made the best decisions with the information available at the time.
Campaign groups like Care Home Relatives Scotland noted her willingness to engage and listen, highlighting her empathetic leadership during a crisis.
Legacy and Personal Life
Freeman retired after one term in 2021, dedicating time to volunteering at the Beatson cancer centre in Glasgow and learning to swim. She and Stewart were planning a trip to Vietnam when tests revealed inoperable lung tumors. Stewart described Freeman's final days as faced with "enormous courage, care for others and love."
Survived by her partner Susan, brother Jim, and five nieces and nephews, Freeman's legacy is one of principled public service, from her early advocacy for women's rights to her leadership in health and social security. Her work continues to influence Scottish policy, embodying the values she championed throughout her life.
