Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke has paid tribute to its former chief executive Andrew Dougal who has passed away.

He led the charity from 1983 to 2015 and was “a passionate advocate for people suffering from chest, heart and stoke illnesses” and “leaves a lasting legacy”, it said.

The charity added: “He is fondly remembered by everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Fiona, son Jack and his wider family circle and friends. May he rest in peace”.

Dougal was also chair of the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland for eight years until 2023.

Northern Ireland health minister Mike Nesbitt said that Dougal “was truly dedicated to public service”.

“Throughout his tenure as chair of the Public Health Agency he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for people in Northern Ireland and showed great leadership during the pandemic,” said Nesbitt.

“Of course, many people will have known Andrew from his time at NI Chest Heart and Stroke where he was a true advocate and voice for those affected by chest, heart and stroke illnesses.”

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former CEO, colleague, and friend Andrew Dougal OBE.

As CEO of NICHS from 1983 to 2015 he was a passionate advocate for people suffering
from chest, heart and stroke illnesses and he leaves a lasting legacy. pic.twitter.com/dBhjJmurZI

— Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (@nichstweet) June 18, 2024

Others to pay tribute include Jenny Irvine, chief executive of health organisation ARC, who said Dougal was “a gentleman who demonstrated gravitas and compassion”.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland journalist and broadcaster Kate Smith said: “Andrew was so committed and passionate about” chest, heart and stroke conditions and was a “unique and wonderful communicator…always a joy to meet and to interview”

Dougal was appointed an OBE in 1996.

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