PACEMAKEROne of Northern Ireland’s leading obstetricians, Professor Jim Dornan, has died, aged 73.
Prof Dornan was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for more than 40 years.
He was chair of Health and Life Sciences at Ulster University and former chair in Fetal Medicine at Queens University Belfast.
His son is actor Jamie Dornan and he is also survived by his wife Dr Samina Dornan and daughters Liesa and Jessica.
Prof Dornan had previously been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
His first wife, Lorna, died from pancreatic cancer in 1998.
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Prof Dornan was elected Senior Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London in 2004, having been on its council as a fellow for five years previously.
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‘A wonderful man’
DUP MP Ian Paisley said: “It is with great sadness that I learnt this morning of the passing of world renowned professor Jim Dornan.
“Jim was a wonderful man, he was engaged in political lobbying and promotion of many medical and non-medical issues.
“His ambition, expressed often to me, was to see Northern Ireland and its people flourish and be the best.
“No obstacle was ever insurmountable for him and he was a great source of encouragement.”
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Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill posted on social media: “Very sad news this morning of the passing of Prof Jim Dornan.
“A man very well respected throughout the community and across the medical profession.
“My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”
‘Lasting legacy’
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer said Prof Dornan “made an immense contribution to obstetrics and fetomaternal medicine”.
“He held a number of significant and important leadership roles in the health service both in Northern Ireland and nationally,” said Dr McBride.
“I trust his family will take some comfort from the lasting legacy he leaves behind, and the esteem in which he was held by so many people at home and abroad.”
Prof Nichola Rooney, who is chair of Division of Clinical Psychology NI, described him as “one of a kind”.
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