Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Statement on the Passing of Jeane Freeman 09 February 2026 Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeane Freeman. During our time working with her in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Health, we always found her open, responsive, and genuinely committed to listening to the perspectives of organisations like ours. Her political insight helped unlock progress on a number of important issues that frequently stalled without her leadership. “Her willingness to recognise and harness the strength of the third sector in addressing complex health challenges relating to Covid-19, and subsequently Long Covid, made a huge difference at a critical moment for people in this country. “We will long remember her forthright, values led approach to improving health and wellbeing in Scotland and Scottish politics. Jeane’s legacy is one of principled leadership and steadfast dedication to the people she served.”