Andrew Dougal ‘leaves lasting legacy’ - tributes paid to former charity chief executive

A leading charity has paid tribute to its former chief executive Andrew Dougal, describing him as a man who “leaves a lasting legacy”.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) said Mr Dougal would be remembered as a “passionate advocate” following his death on Monday after a short illness.

Mr Dougal (73) from Belfast, who was married with one son, was involved in public health for more than 40 years.

He was appointed NICHS chief executive in 1983, playing a key role in securing a programme for the reduction of deaths from coronary heart disease in Northern Ireland.

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Mr Dougal also promoted the establishment of stroke units as well as thrombolysis to combat stroke.

A former non-executive director of Belfast community radio and of Belfast funeral directors O’Kane’s, he also was a former treasurer and trustee of the World Heart Federation.

Awarded an OBE in 1996, he also worked in education for 10 years including eight years as bursar at St Louise’s comprehensive college.

He also was a non-executive director of the Ulster Orchestra Foundation Board.

Paying tribute to Mr Dougal, a NICHS spokeswoman said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former CEO, colleague, and friend Andrew Dougal OBE.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Fiona, son Jack and his wider family circle and friends.

“As CEO of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke from 1983 to 2015 he was a passionate advocate for people suffering from chest, heart and stroke illnesses and he leaves a lasting legacy.

“He is fondly remembered by everyone who knew him and he will be greatly missed.”

Most recently he served as chair of the board at the Public Health Agency (PHA) from 2015 to 2023.

The PHA said in a statement that it was “very sorry to learn of the passing” of Mr Dougal.

“Andrew was a dedicated and passionate colleague and friend who cared deeply about public health and he will be sadly missed,” the PHA said.

Stormont health minister Mike Nesbitt said Mr Dougal was “truly dedicated to public service”.

“Throughout his tenure as chair of the PHA he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for people in Northern Ireland and showed great leadership during the pandemic.

“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.”