Tributes to 'much-loved' Dr Tom Frawley following sudden passing of WHSCT chair
‘Dr Frawley was a much-loved and deeply respected public servant who had served as Chair of the Trust since 2023’
Tributes have been paid to the 'much-loved and deeply respected' Dr Tom Frawley following the Western Trust chair's sudden passing in Derry.
Dr. Frawley passed away on Wednesday.
"It is with deep shock and great sadness that the Western Health and Social Care Trust announces the sudden passing of its Chair, Dr Tom Frawley CBE.
Throughout his career, he made an outstanding contribution to public service
"Dr Frawley was a much-loved and deeply respected public servant who had served as Chair of the Trust since 2023.
"During this time, he provided outstanding leadership, guiding the organisation with wisdom, warmth and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities we serve," said WHSCT Chief Executive Karen Hargan.
A native of Limerick, Dr. Frawley enjoyed a long career in the NHS in Derry and lived in the Waterside.
He held numerous leadership roles and was Chief Executive of the former Western Health and Social Services Board from 1985 until 2000.
He served as Northern Ireland Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints until 2016.
Ms. Hargan said: "Throughout his career, he made an outstanding contribution to public service, helping to shape and strengthen the services that matter to people.
"He was widely admired for his integrity, insight and sound judgement, as well as for his wit, kindness and ability to connect with people at all levels.
"He cared deeply about our staff, our patients and clients, and the wider community, and was a passionate advocate for health and social care services across the West. His contribution to this Trust and to public service more broadly will be remembered with immense gratitude."
A common thread among the many warm tributes paid to Dr. Frawley was an acknowledgment of his professionalism, personability and dedication to public service over the decades.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood, expressing his condolences, described Dr. Frawley as a ‘great man’.
The world ‘gentleman’ was used time and again by those paying tribute following news of his passing.
During his career Dr. Frawley chaired the panel of experts who advised on the Review of Public Administration (2002), the review of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (1998-2000) and reviews of both the Northern Ireland Training Council and the Central Services Agency.
Between 2012-2020 he chaired the Audit & Risk Committee of the Scottish Ombudsman's Office and was a member of the Welsh & Irish Ombudsman's Audit Committees.
Dr. Frawley is mourned by his wife Marie, children Rachel, Joseph and Daniel, children-in-law Matthew and Mary and grandchildren Jack, Alice and Lucy.
His Funeral Mass will take place in St Mary's, Ardmore at 1pm on Saturday after which his remains will be interred in the adjoining chapel cemetery.
Family flowers only are requested. Donations, if wished, can be made to Friends of Altnagelvin (Ward 44 - Cardic Unit) C/o Mr Paul Nicholl, MDEC Unit, Altnaglevin Hospital.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Marie, his children Rachel, Joe and Dan, and the wider family circle at this very sad time. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues across the public sector," Ms Hargan said.